Darien Public Schools Receives Mental Health Specialist Grant

DARIEN, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker on Thursday announced the release of $15 million in funding for 72 school districts across Connecticut to support the hiring and retention of school mental health specialists for the 2024, 2025, and 2026 school years.

Among the recipients is the Darien Public Schools District, which will receive $47,020 in 2024 and 2025, and $32,914 in 2026.

The competitive grant program is utilizing funding the state received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

This is the second of three rounds of grants aimed at increasing the number of mental health workers in schools that are being administered by the state using ARPA funding.

"Every child deserves essential support for behavioral health services, and through the release of these grants we are able to assist more school districts in hiring mental health workers," Lamont said in a news release. "Making these resources available in schools is a way we can easily and directly connect children and teens with the support they require."

Russell-Tucker said the grant program prioritizes student well-being.

"This funding will enable schools to hire dedicated school mental health professionals, ensuring students have the vital support they need," Russell-Tucker said. "With this investment, we are building a safer, nurturing environment where students can excel academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Together, let’s forge a stronger, healthier future."

Grant awardees will be required to attend training this month and complete the compliance documents for the use of ARPA funding, a news release from Lamont's office said. A notification for the training will be sent to the grant awardees.

Darien has focused on increasing mental health resources for students, especially over the past year. Dr. Alycia Dadd was hired in March as the director of mental health to oversee and support the mental health and social and emotional needs of students and staff.