In Helena, Alabama, school resource officers are taking a mental health training course to improve their ability to identify and assist students with mental health needs. The course is designed to equip officers with the necessary skills to better respond to students who require mental health support.
Instructors from the National Association of SROs conduct a 12-hour training course. This program is funded by a grant from the Alabama Department of Education and the Alabama Association of School Resource Officers.
Numerous school resource officers from different parts of the state, including those in Shelby County, participated in this training.
This training is designed to equip SROs with the skills they need to handle an adolescent who is experiencing a mental health crisis. It recognizes that SROs play a vital role in the community beyond just being law enforcement officers. The training program is aimed at enhancing their abilities to deal with such situations in a compassionate manner.
According to NASRO instructors, the training emphasized the significance of establishing connections, not only with students, but also with parents, faculty, and staff. Building relationships with all parties involved was highlighted as a crucial takeaway from the training.
Recognizing when a child is in crisis and knowing which resources and services to offer are important connections to make.
Faith Burns, an instructor at NASRO, explains that when discussing adverse childhood experiences and trauma, many individuals are able to share their personal stories and the difficult situations they have faced. By interacting with these individuals and asking about their emotions during those times, one can offer empathy and connect with them on a deeper level, particularly when working with children.
Years ago, NASRO had already adopted this curriculum. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant revision was necessary, which was made possible by Dr. Kristy Caine.
NASRO offers this training course nationwide and welcomes inquiries from interested agencies or school systems.
