by Virginia Department of Education

RICHMOND — Helping schools address the unprecedented rise in mental health and behavioral challenges facing Virginia students post-pandemic, the Virginia Department of Education has createdthe Office of Behavioral Health and Wellness to help focus resources and attention to our students who are struggling with these evolving challenges. 

“Our students and our schools are facing different issues than they faced before the pandemic,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. “We have redesigned several positions across the department to create the Office of Behavioral Health and Wellness. This office will bring a multifaceted approach to better equip educators, staff and parents in supporting our students and responding when a crisis occurs.”

Sharpening the focus on the “Right Help, Right Now” resources available to Virginia students, the office will assist schools with teams of professionals focused on three key areas:

• Behavioral Health & Instructional Support
  Focusing on issues regarding behavioral and mental health including school counseling, school discipline, the causes and impact of chronic absenteeism, and the effects on children and teens who rely on social media 
  
• School Health & Wellness
  Centering on issues such as opioid and drug use abatement, emphasizing the dangers of fentanyl and its spreading use amongst children and teens, and overdose prevention
  
• Student Services
  Dedicated to removing many of the wrap-around barriers to success facing children today, including working with military families and students in foster care, as well as equipping students for post-secondary access and success

The office will also develop the Virginia Behavioral Health Comprehensive Framework, designed to assist in improving student outcomes through increased behavioral supports spanning between schools and communities.

“Today’s students face issues their parents did not have to consider when they were younger, and we need to deal with these modern topics effectively. Every school division is facing similar challenges, and I appreciate VDOE stepping forward to support all school divisions as they work through the issues affecting our students, teachers, and classrooms,” said Superintendent of Hopewell City Public Schools Dr. Melody Hackney.

“Regular school attendance is important to our students’ success. The link between learning and mental health is critical. The work of the Virginia Department of Education Task Force on Chronic Absenteeism has been crucial to identifying strategies to increase student attendance and access to mental health supports. I am excited that the VDOE is launching the Office of Behavioral Health and Wellness. Students who have access to wraparound services to support their positive mental health attend school more regularly,” said Superintendent of Newport News Public Schools Dr. Michele Mitchell.

Joseph Wharff, a professional educational administrator with over 20 years of leadership in school services and school counseling with Henrico County Public Schools and VDOE, will serve as Director of the new office. The Office of Behavioral Health and Wellness and the Director will work directly with Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons.