In Children's Behavior

END OF YEAR SURVEY

DEADLINE:

June 6, 2008

 

 

Click here for the survey in .doc format 

Instructions:  Download and save file to your computer, complete it, resave it and return it via email, US Mail or fax by June 6, 2008.    Click here to return via email and attach your saved file.

Click here for the survey in .pdf format

Instructions:  Download file, print, complete and return via US Mail or fax by June 6, 2008.

Red Flags is an Ohio school-based depression awareness and intervention program created by Mental Health America of Summit County.  It is funded by The Ohio Department of Mental Health and endorsed by the Ohio Department of Education for all Ohio school districts. 

The program helps students, parents and school staff members recognize and respond to signs of depression and related mental illness. The three-pronged program includes an in-service training for school personnel, a video-based curriculum for students called Claire's Story: A Child's Perspective of Childhood Depression, and a seminar for parents, students and the community.

The Center for Disease Control lists depression and depression related suicide as the leading disease-related cause of death and disability in children between the ages of 11-24.  As a Universal prevention program, Red Flags involves the entire school community and has been proven to reduce stigma, enhance emotional intelligence, and improve school climate.  It is flexible, simple to implement, low cost. 

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Mental Health America yearly evaluate Red Flags to assure its effectiveness and value.   

Red Flags consists of three parts: a curriculum for students at a grade level chosen by the school, information for teachers and staff applicable across the school system, and educational materials for all parents which alerts:

  • students, parents, and teachers to the early signs of adolescent depression;

  • demystifies the source and treatment of mental illnesses;

  • helps students, parents, and teachers recognize the behavioral symptoms and dangers of untreated depression

  • gives a language and process for accessing help;

  • encourages school personnel to develop and know the district policy for recognizing, referring, and accommodating students;

  • assists parents in getting help 

Red Flags Facts

Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Ohio Department of Education supports this program. (See the Letter Here download Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

Professionals estimate that 3-5% of children and 8-12% of adolescents experience clinical depression each year.

A recent survey reported that approximately half of all 10-16 year old boys and girls with high levels of aggression are depressed.

Children with untreated depression are at high risk for substance abuse and suicide.

Two-thirds of depressed children go undiagnosed and untreated. Treatment for depression has an 80% success rate, higher than treatment for heart disease or diabetes.

Know the Warning  Signs

  • extreme shyness
  • frequent anger
  • sleep problems
  • whining and complaining
  • disorganization
  • anxiety
  • Irritability
  • eating problems


For More Information Contact:

Victoria Doepker
 Red Flags Program -
Mental Health America of Summit County
1-800-991-1311

  
Kris Washington, OCPS II Prevention Administrator
Ohio Department of Mental Health
Office of Community Policy
30 East Broad Street, 8th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-3430
office:     614-466-1195