Delco Launches Revamped Mental Health, Substance Use Program For Kids

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Delaware County has launched a new preventative mental health and substance use services for school-aged children.

Officials announced "ConnectED" Thursday.

ConnectED is a rebranded and enhanced version of the School-Based Assessment Program soft-launched in the fall of 2023 by District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware County Council, and the Department of Human Services.

This program is designed to improve the delivery of proactive, preventative mental health and substance use services for school-aged children.

ConnectED’s new name emphasizes the program’s mission to strengthen the connection between youth, parents, and educators through a comprehensive, school-based approach that fosters collaboration and engagement.

It aims to bridge the gap between students, schools, and community behavioral health resources, ensuring that students are connected to the support they need, when they need it.

Behavioral Health refers to mental health and substance use disorders, life stressors and crises, and stress-related physical symptoms. Behavioral health care refers to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of those conditions.

"We are excited to see this program evolve," Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. "ConnectED represents our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for every student. This rebranding marks a significant step forward, strengthening our commitment to equitable behavioral health services across the County and connecting more families and students to the care and support they need."

"ConnectED builds on the success of the School-Based Assessment Program by expanding our capacity to connect students and families to critical behavioral health resources," Stollsteimer, who first proposed the idea of an integrated behavioral health program, said. "This initiative has already made a significant impact, and the rebrand reflects our commitment to making these essential services more accessible and effective for every student in Delaware County."

The program continues School-Based Assessment Program's mission to support children and families facing mental health challenges and potential substance use disorders, using a comprehensive 'No Wrong Door' approach.

This means that all school personnel—from teachers to counselors, as well as parents, caretakers, and community members—are not only trained to recognize signs of mental health or substance use concerns, but also have direct, barrier-free access to the program’s resources and support. This ensures that every student can receive the help they need, no matter where they enter the system.

Additionally, the program will continue to employ the "Warm Handoff" (WHO) strategy, providing personalized support and seamless transitions to appropriate care for students and their families.

Warm Hand Offs and Early Intervention ConnectED focuses on prevention and early intervention, ensuring that Delaware County youth receive timely support when needed. The program provides parents, caregivers, and educators the ability to speak to a live person 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even for simple questions about resources or behavioral health concerns. When additional support is required, a dedicated and trained ConnectED Coordinator assesses the youth’s needs and personally introduces the student and their family to mental health professionals or community resources.

ConnectED Program Coordinator ConnectED’s dedicated Program Coordinator, a behavioral health professional, is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition, the program also provides treatment linkage, education, support, and resources after hours. Calls are coordinated by the MVP Recovery 24/7 Peer Support Team, ensuring continuous assistance for students and families outside the regular schedule.

MVP Recovery’s ConnectED program and their 24/7 Peer Support Team can be reached at 1-855-MVP-2410.

"ConnectED will continue to cultivate a community where behavioral health is at the forefront, ensuring assistance is readily available," Brian Corson, Founder & CEO of MVP Recovery," said. "Providing 24/7 access to a Peer Support Team, including certified peer specialists, will offer substantial recovery and mental health support for both students and families throughout the County."