During these unprecedented times IDEA Public Schools remains committed to connecting students and families to resources that can help them overcome various challenges.
Our Team & Family is here to facilitate access to national and local resources to help our Team & Family navigate a host of circumstances: unemployment challenges, food shortages, or lack of access to internet services. For those experiencing anxiety or grief, we can also give referrals to mental health services.
We encourage students and families to start by reaching out to their campus. IDEA’s Academic Counselors and Social Workers are ready to help with social and emotional needs. If families and students are unable to reach their campus, they call our newly instated IDEA Student and Family Support Line at 1-855-906-0144. The support line is open for calls weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Calls made after 6 p.m. or during the weekend will be answered the next business day.
“Our Academic Counselors and Social Workers are well equipped with resources and tools to help our scholars and families during this time of uncertainty,” said Denise Smasal, Manager of Student Advocacy. “Campus teams have done an amazing job throughout the year of building relationships with our scholars and families, and we want to make sure we continue to promote that partnership during this time.”
Campus Academic Counselors and social workers are available Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For those in immediate danger or crisis emergency, please call 911 or local law enforcement.
Below is a list of contact information for national and local resources.
National and local support:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line is available for free, by texting HOME to 741741
- Disaster Distress Helpline
Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) provides crisis counseling and support for anyone in the U.S. experiencing distress or other behavioral health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster, including public health emergencies.
Text MHA to 741741 to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line provides free, text-based support 24/7.
Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678. A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth.
For assistance finding food, paying for housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, visit 211.org or dial 211 to speak to someone who can help. Run by the United Way.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
For any victims and survivors who need support, call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY. If the person is unable to speak safely, log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
Online support resources:
- Better Health E-counseling platform:Better Help
- CDC Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
- The Jed Foundation Tips for Self-Care and Managing Stress
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
- SAMHSA Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (English, Spanish, and Chinese versions available).
