Children's Summer Mental Health Gets Boost In Southington

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Summer is winding down, but state officials Tuesday announced a large funding package that will help school districts and summer camps help with children's mental health.

Among the communities benefiting from the funding is the Southington School District, which is receiving $33,418.52 from the state.

Tuesday, Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker announced the release of more than $4.5 million in funding for 48 school districts and summer camp programs across Connecticut.

Those funds will be used to support the delivery of mental health services for students during the summer months over a three-year period.

They were awarded under the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Summer Mental Health Supports Grant program.

The competitive grant program is utilizing funding the state received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Grant recipients will be required to attend a training session and complete the compliance documents for the use of ARPA funding. A notification for the training will be sent to the recipients.

“The need for mental health support services among youths does not stop at the end of the school year, and these grants will enable these critical services to continue during the summer months,” said Lamont in a statement.

“This investment further underscores our commitment to collaboration across various sectors, multiple state agencies, and levels of government in addressing the growing demand for social, emotional and mental health support among our students. By partnering with schools, camps and community-based programs, we are ensuring that services are available year-round,” added Russell-Tucker.

For the full announcement, including all grant recipients in Connecticut and additional comments from Connecticut officials, click on this link.