Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Policy

At iLEAD Exploration, we are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all our learners. During Suicide Prevention Month in September and all year long, our goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

Our Family Guidebook includes the following Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Policy:

The Governing Board recognizes that suicide is a major cause of death among youth and should be taken seriously. In order to reduce suicidal behavior and its impact on learners and families, the director(s) or designee shall develop preventive strategies, intervention and postvention procedures. The purpose of this policy is to protect the health and well-being of all district students by having procedures in place to prevent, assess the risk of, intervene in, and respond to suicide.

In developing measures and strategies for use by the school, the school director or designee may consult with school health professionals, school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, administrators, other staff, parents/guardians, students, local health agencies, mental health professionals, and community organizations. For more information, email info@ileadexploration.org.

In order to initiate access to available pupil mental health services, contact the school counselor Kathy Tempco at kathy.tempco@ileadexploration.org or visit the iLEAD Hybrid Exploration website for more information. The school will notify parents/guardians at least twice per year. One notification will be through the Learner/Family Guidebook, and the second will be through the school newsletter.

A minor who is 12 years of age or older may consent to mental health treatment or counseling services if the minor is mature enough to participate intelligently in the outpatient services or counseling services. The professional person treating or counseling the minor is required to consult with the minor before determining whether involvement of the minor’s parent or guardian would be inappropriate. These service providers can bill Medi-Cal as appropriate. 

If you or your child is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You are not alone, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels heard, understood, and supported.