Guideline 8: Address opportunities for organizational change, policy development and advocacy

Best practice guidelines for mental health promotion programs: Children & Youth

Address opportunities for organizational change, policy development and advocacy by:

• mobilizing parents, teachers, and youth
• being aware of and monitoring upcoming legislation and government initiatives, in order to identify and influence change that incorporates a mental health promotion approach
• implementing client and/or staff surveys to assess the organizational climate
• working with management, students and staff to create a health promoting school and workplace
• identifying policy initiatives to influence school culture.

Examples include:

• a safe schools policy
• health-promoting schools—policies, education
• advocacy for physical activity in the school
• advocacy for school cafeteria policies (e.g., vending machine policies)
• advocacy for green space and gardens
• giving opportunities to community members, parents, teachers and youth to voice issues and engage in dialogue and problem solving
• lobbying for legislative change.

Programs that incorporate Guideline 8 are:

• The School Mental Health Program (SMHP)
• The Yale–New Haven Primary Prevention Program
• Gatehouse Project
• Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP)

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