Findings from national scan, survey, and synthesis of reviews
A synthesis of research reviews, a national scan of nominated best practices, and a survey of Canadian schools and districts, were used to characterize the current state of mental health and substance use
programs and practices in Canadian schools. Key findings are summarized below.
Synthesis of Research Reviews } Findings from 94 systematic reviews (363
screened) prior to January 2010
} Identified support for Mental Health Promotion, especially class-wide instruction that includes social emotional learning / social skill building for all students.
} Compelling evidence for the use of cognitive behavioral approaches for prevention and intervention with students exhibiting internalizing and/or externalizing symptoms.
} Mixed evidence in the area of substance use, but on balance support for interactive, whole school approaches that highlight resistance education and skill-building.
} Insufficient body of systematic reviews to provide direction for special populations.
National Scan of Nominated Best Practices } Over 200 programs were nominated from the
field, and 145 were represented by key informants in interviews
} All provinces and territories represented, but most programs nominated from Ontario, BC, and Alberta. Most were English language, and few specifically designed for special populations.
} Several evaluated programs that align well with findings from the review.
} Also many research-informed programs that have not been tested in Canada, and would benefit from rigorous evaluation.
} However, a number of programs currently in use that have been created in response to a local need that do not align clearly with the evidence and have not been evaluated systematically.
Survey of Canadian Schools and Districts } 117 school districts and 643 school-level respondents, completed a survey
} District and school teams report that they are very concerned about student mental health, especially problems with attention, substance use, and anxiety
} Over 80% indicated there were unmet student mental health needs in schools
} Respondents highlighted the importance of integration of services with community, leadership, access to evidence-based strategies, implementation support, and professional development for educators
} Needed infrastructure for coordinated school mental health is reportedly lacking
Summary and Recommendations
} There is sufficient research evidence in the area of the school mental health to inform policy and practice directions in Canada. Policy and practice leaders should draw on this evidence for decision-making.
} The survey and scan revealed many areas of need that must be addressed before systematic, evidence-based programming along the service continuum can be effectively placed in Canadian school boards (e.g.,
organizational leadership, educator mental health literacy, protocols for partnership).
} The Canadian practice landscape includes high-quality programs and practices that should be scaled up across jurisdictions. There is a strong need for rigorous evaluation of untested but research-informed approaches, and careful consideration of the continuation of programs that are inconsistent with the evidence-base.
} Because schools are an excellent place to promote positive mental health, there are a growing number of coalitions and networks focused on moving the field forward. We need to take advantage of this momentum!
