Responding to Rosie D and MA Behavioral Health Screening Initiative: Using a Community of Practice model to enhance school-based mental health services

Beginning in January, 2008, the Rosie D vs Romney lawsuit settlement was implemented in Massachusetts. This decision mandates that behavioral health screening be provided to every child covered by Mass Health up to age 21. In MA SBHC, the majority of enrollees are covered by Medicaid and are vulnerable to inequities in receiving mental health services.

This workshop will report on a pilot program that expanded access mental health services for children in selected SBHC using the Mental Health Program Assessment Tool and a Community of Practice model. The process of adopting evidence-based screening tools as required by the Rosie D. settlement, referring students to appropriate mental health services, and monitoring utilization will be presented focusing on three key elements: stakeholder involvement, school collaboration, and quality improvement.