Administrative regulation - 5141.5
The Board of Education recognizes the importance of supporting the behavioral health needs of students to promote academic success, social-emotional development, and overall well-being. The Board is committed to establishing clear, consistent, and timely referral procedures that enable school staff to appropriately identify and refer to students experiencing behavioral health concerns in a manner that is preventive, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and non-disciplinary.
Pursuant to Education Code section 49428.1, this Administrative Regulation establishes a multi-tiered, evidence-based referral framework for addressing mental health and substance use concerns among students in grades 7–12. The referral framework is designed to be accessible and understandable to both certificated and classified employees and to ensure that all employees act only within the authorization and scope of their credential or license.
To the extent possible, the District shall emphasize preventive and early-intervention strategies that increase students’ connectedness to school, strengthen relationships with trusted adults, and promote positive coping and conflict-resolution skills. Behavioral health referrals shall be implemented, when appropriate, as an alternative to disciplinary action and aligned with the District’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
The District shall investigate and resolve complaints of bullying, intimidation, harassment, or discrimination in accordance with law and District policy. The District shall also provide developmentally appropriate instruction that promotes students’ mental, emotional, and social well-being, aligned with state content standards and curriculum frameworks.
Definitions
Behavioral health includes mental health, substance use, stress-related symptoms, and behaviors that impact a student’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning.
Youth behavioral health disorders are defined as mental health and substance use disorders (Education Code 49428.2(a)).
District Framework
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that behavioral health referral protocols are integrated within the District’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and are adaptable to varied local service delivery arrangements, including school-based services, partnerships with community providers, and regional or county behavioral health resources.
The referral framework shall reflect evidence-based and culturally appropriate practices, emphasize early identification and support, and remain consistent with state and federally funded behavioral health initiatives administered by the California Department of Education.
1. Needs Assessment
The Superintendent or designee shall utilize data from the California Healthy Kids Survey, student perception surveys measuring resiliency and school connectedness, the IUSD Annual Survey, and WellSpace data to identify trends, service gaps, and priority student populations.
Site-level and district-wide teams shall review behavioral, attendance, and academic indicators to guide responsive planning. These teams may include school counselors, school nurses, mental health specialists, school psychologists, administrators, students, parents/guardians, and community partners, as appropriate.
2. Capacity Building
The District shall utilize appropriately credentialed or licensed staff to support student behavioral health needs, including school counselors, mental health specialists (LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs), school psychologists, and Project Success staff. Mental health services shall be delivered only by staff acting within the scope of their credential or license.
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that at least one time, by the 2028–29 school year, all certificated staff and at least 40 percent of classified staff receive training in youth behavioral health literacy, including early identification of concerns, referral procedures, and effective help-seeking strategies, in accordance with Education Code 49428.2.
3. Referral Procedures
Each school shall maintain clearly defined, easy-to-use behavioral health referral procedures that allow for student self-referrals, peer referrals, and referrals initiated by school staff. Referral procedures shall prioritize timely response and student safety.
When a staff member suspects or becomes aware that a student may need behavioral health support, the staff member shall take reasonable steps to ensure the student’s immediate safety and shall promptly notify an appropriate school support provider, consistent with their role and training.
Referral procedures shall include appropriate involvement of parents/guardians, unless, in the professional judgment of the attending mental health provider, such involvement would be inappropriate or contraindicated.
4. Differentiated Pathways and High-Risk Student Groups
The District recognizes that certain student populations may require differentiated referral pathways. Behavioral health referral protocols shall address the needs of high-risk student groups, including, but not limited to:
Students with disabilities
Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans
Foster youth and youth placed in out-of-home settings
Students experiencing homelessness
Students experiencing bereavement or significant loss
LGBTQ+ students
For students with IEPs or Section 504 Plans, referrals shall be coordinated with the student’s case manager and educational team and implemented in accordance with the student’s plan.
For students suspected of having a disability, referrals for assessment shall follow Education Code sections 56301–56302 and applicable federal law.
The District shall ensure collaboration among the Director of Special Education, the McKinney-Vento and Foster Youth Liaison, school site administrators, and behavioral health providers to coordinate services and reduce barriers to access for these student groups.
5. Partnerships
The Superintendent or designee shall maintain Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) or cooperative agreements with community agencies to support behavioral health services. These partnerships shall allow flexibility in service delivery while ensuring continuity of care and compliance with applicable laws.
6. Data, Monitoring, and Evaluation
The Superintendent or designee shall monitor behavioral health referral systems for equity, effectiveness, and outcomes. Data collected may include referral volume, services provided, and student outcomes, disaggregated by student subgroups as appropriate.
Findings from regular evaluation cycles and stakeholder feedback shall inform continuous improvement and alignment with state and federally funded behavioral health initiatives administered by the California Department of Education.
Legal Compliance
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all referrals, consents, and data practices comply with applicable state and federal laws.
Adopted: January 29, 2026
See Also:
IUSD Mental Health & Wellness Resources