Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the BRIDGE Reintegration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District describes BRIDGE reintegration program and tiered therapeutic supports for students returning from hospitalization
Summary
District staff outlined BRIDGE, a tier-3 short-term reintegration program for students returning to school following psychiatric hospitalization or intensive medical treatment, and described referral criteria, services and expected timelines.
Mendon-Upton Regional School District staff described a BRIDGE reintegration program and a tiered therapeutic support system for students with elevated mental-health needs. Emma, the Bridge clinical coordinator and a school adjustment counselor, said BRIDGE is "a short term intervention support for students who return to school after being hospitalized for mental health reasons." The program is voluntary and intended to help students gradually reintegrate academically and socially.
Staff described BRIDGE as a tier-3 intervention within the district's MTSS framework. Services include academic support, counseling, clinical case management, family outreach and coordination with outside providers. Emma said the program serves students returning from psychiatric hospitalization, partial hospitalization or therapeutic residential stays, students who have been unable to attend school for prolonged periods (five or more days with substantially reduced functioning), and students recovering from serious medical treatment.
The presentation cited outcome data used by partner programs: lower rehospitalization rates for students served in BRIDGE-style models (coordinator cited approximately 11 percent rehospitalization compared with a 15 percent national average) and reductions in undesirable coping mechanisms. Staff emphasized that BRIDGE is not an IEP-based service but an intervention available to both general and special education students who meet qualifying criteria.
Referral processes start when a school counselor notifies the BRIDGE coordinator, followed by family outreach and development of an individualized plan. Participation is voluntary; staff said it is possible for students to refuse. Staff described variable timelines for participation: some students need only a few days; others remain connected to BRIDGE supports for 6 to 12 weeks or longer depending on need. The district encouraged families to contact school counselors to begin referrals and noted coordination with community providers.
