The training is available on the Aces Aware Website - Recognize, Respond, Connect
The California Department of Public Health, Office of School Health, the California Department of Education, and subject matter experts have developed this free, self-paced, 50-minute training to provide information on how school staff, as trusted adults, can support the social, emotional, and physical well-being of students by creating learning environments where students feel safe, accepted, and valued. This training is aligned with the requirements of California Education Code Section 49428.2(c) and welcomes participants into a community of staff that can access a wide range of other training opportunities to support their students. Created for all school staff (grades 7–12), the training teaches simple, practical ways to build trusted relationships with students and contribute to safe and supportive school communities where everyone can thrive, provides an overview of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and other common adversities that can affect students' ability to learn, connect, and thrive, and guides staff in recognizing signs of distress, responding with empathy and support, and making referrals for students experiencing behavioral health challenges.
Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Virtual Trainings
California Senate Bill 153 requires that 100% of certificated staff and 40% of classified staff receive youth mental health training. We are proud to collaborate with Blue Shield of California to offer this training free of charge to our school communities in California. Learn how to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among our youth.
Training Content
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This training gives adults the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 6-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.
Intended Audience
Anyone can take the YMHFA course, but it is ideally designed for adults who work with young people, ages 6-18: teachers, nurses, counselors, coaches, secretaries, campus monitors, yard supervisors, registrars, lunch staff, bus drivers, leaders of faith communities, law enforcement, parents, youth employers, and other caring citizens.
This training will be provided VIRTUALLY.
Participants will be required to complete 2 hours of self-paced instruction prior to the instructor-led learning.
Content from this training supports Local Control and Accountability Plan—Priority Area: Student Engagement and School Climate.
Space is limited to 30 participants per training. Multiple trainings can be delivered simultaneously. For more information or to schedule a training, please send a message to YMHFA@CDE.CA.GOV
Mental health professionals who wish to participate should know this course is basic and will give them common language to share with their colleagues.
