The TeenScreen Schools and Communities Program, formerly known as the Columbia University TeenScreen Program, is a mental health screening program for youth. The purpose of the TeenScreen Program is to identify teens with mental health risk factors and to help parents connect the identified teens with professional health resources in the community. The program uses a computerized questionnarie called the Diagnostic Predictive Scales (DPS). The questions on the DPS are about vision, hearing, and dental problems, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating problems, suicidal thinking and behavior, and use of drugs and alcohol. Designated members of Notre Dame High School staff will work with Colonial IU 20 school psychologists and guidance counselors to implement the TeenScreen program. The screening is free, completely voluntary, and confidential.
The program will be offered to all 9th grade students. In October, the 9th grade students will receive information about the TeenScreen Program in Theology class. The students will be given an envelope to take home that will include the TeenScreen Parent Consent Letter (explains the program in more detail) and the TeenScreen parent Consent Form. No student will be screened without parent consent and student assent. Further information about the TeenScreen Program can be found at www.teenscreen.org
We want to ensure the safety and well being of
our Notre Dame students and hope that you take advantage of this program.