Mental Health Support

Counseling/Mental Health Support for Students, Families, or Staff

Following are some free community resources to support children and adults. 

• 2-1-1 Sonoma County: Connects families with a range of services.
• HOPE Sonoma County - Free Counseling Services:
  English Flier | Spanish Flier
• Sonoma Rises mobile app: 
  Available for download from Apple IOS App Store or Google Play Store for Android, this is a self-assessment/tracking tool with recommendations and referrals for additional support. There is a special section for teens.
• www.MySonomaStrong.com:
  This is an online wellness program created by the Wildfire Mental Health Collaborative, with self-assessment/tracking tools and recommendations and referrals
• Trauma-informed yoga and meditation classes:
  click here for class schedule and locations
• Individual and group counseling sessions: Call or text NAMI Sonoma County confidentially at 866.960.6240

Books and Guides for Families

• SCOE Flier (bilingual): Helping Your Child Recover From Trauma
• Resource Packet: This folder of resources has been carefully compiled by SCOE's fire recovery counselor team. 
• Guide from the Parent-child Institute to help children recover after wildfires.
• Coloring book specifically written for children who have been through major fires. It was funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
• Interactive book written by a local educator that is meant to help students share their feelings about the fire.

---

Information for Educators

SCOE CARE Team

School mental health and crisis response is being coordinated by SCOE's CARE team, a team of counselors specially funded to help students and staff heal after wildfires. For more information, please contact Ryan Pepin at rpepin@scoe.org.

Access resources for staff curated by this team here.

Other Resources

• Guide: Grief Over the Holidays: Guidelines for Educators for Supporting Grieving Students Over the Holidays
• Psychological First Aid
  Here is a psychological first aid guide for teachers from the California Teacher's Association

---

Educational Rights of Homeless/Displaced Students

Under law, students displaced by the fire are entitled to enroll in the nearest school district (not necessarily a specific school) to their temporary residence. Learn more about this and other resources for displaced students at SCOE's Homeless Education page.

Right to enroll in new district of residence

Countless children in our community have lost their homes. Per federal law, every student who has lost his or her home due to the disaster has the right to enroll in the school district in which they are temporarily housed. If they have had to move out of the county, this applies anywhere in the state.

This does not guarantee admittance into a specific school within the district, however. Districts will determine the school based on many factors, including available space. 

To enroll, simply contact the school district of your current residence. If you're unsure which district that is, click here. You do not need documentation or proof of residence. 

Transportation to original district

A displaced student can also remain in the school he/she was attending before the disaster and receive support for transportation to that school. To facilitate this, contact the school the student was already attending to notify them of your loss and get support. 

Free/reduced lunch eligibility

A homeless/displaced child is also eligible for free/reduced lunch, regardless of family income. 

McKinney-Vento Flier

This flier provides detailed information on the federal law that secures the rights of homeless students. 

McKinney-Vento Flier - English | McKinney-Vento Flier - Spanish