The Sonoma County Office of Education is hosting a series of free, virtual workshops for families and caregivers to learn more about various mental health topics that may impact students.
The program was launched for this school year through the office’s Behavioral Health and Well-Being Department, with planned sessions covering subjects such as suicide prevention, skipping school, and online safety.
The interactive online sessions will take place on select Thursdays throughout the school year from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and are offered in both English and Spanish.
The next session is planned for Nov. 5 and is titled “Understanding and Supporting Youth with Anxiety and School Avoidance,” and will focus on giving participants tools to identify signs of anxiety in youth. The session will also offer guidance on what adults can do to help and information on strategies to help support school attendance.
“Our community and families are at the heart of this effort,” said Amie Carter, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools, in a statement. “These workshops offer a space where parents and caregivers can gain valuable insights and ask questions to ensure our youth feel safe and supported.”
People can sign up by calling 707-522-3241 or by completing a registration form. Attendees can choose which sessions they want to view based on interest and will receive a reminder email with access links prior to each workshop.
Topics for future sessions will be announced later in the fall.
Those who want more information or help with registration can email school psychologists Mary Champion at mchampion@scoe.org or Gabriela Gachet at ggachet@scoe.org.
