The police state is ascending to new heights. President Bush & Obama’s agenda are to have all public school students undergo a mental health screening and unbeknownst to some parents that is taking place through our public school systems. The days of children being the sole property of their parents is slowing fading away one step at a time? Where does the public school system get their authority? Where are our Texas legislators on this issue?
Richardson ISD sent out a parental announcement to 7th grade parents to consent to having their child tested. (See Below).
The program being used in called TeenScreen. The Texas legislature passed SB 831 which says districts must use programs from a specified list for best practices for screenings. The program in question TeenScreen is not on the list.
Despite the fact that the “TeenScreen” program fell under heavy criticism and was shut down in 2012, Texas school districts are still using the program to screen students for mental illness.” http://healthimpactnews.com/2012/teenscreen-operations-have-shut-down/.
-Tugging at the heartstrings, TeenScreen is presented to naive parents as a harmless little survey that may save their kids from suicide.
Richardson ISD’s Counselor, Laurie Jackson’s message above you gives parents a link to the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas. I called the Center to verify that they were using the “TeenScreen” program and they verified they were. I also emailed Laurie Jackson the following email.
Why are you subjecting students to Teen Screen. Can you tell me who is funding this program? Does the district have licensed Psychologist on campus to administer this?
I received the following response from Brenice Murlette PhD, with Richardson ISD…..
The TeenScreen questionnaire was developed by Columbia University and research has concluded that it is effective in identifying youth with possible emotional problems. It is the only screener recommended for youth by the state of Texas.
It should be known that there is inaccurate information on the internet about TeenScreen. In response, we want our community to know that there is not a company connected to TeenScreen or to the confidential results. RISD has partnered with the North Texas Suicide and Crisis Center (a non-profit organization) whose objective is to educate the community on teenage depression and suicide. Other school districts have been utilizing this screening for many years (Allen, Coppell, Grapevine-Colleyville, Highland Park, and Melissa ISD to name a few).
Parent permission is required. The screening is free, offered during the school day in the computer lab and if the student is identified as depressed or showing signs of suicide ideation, he or she is then interviewed by a mental health professional to determine the level of risk. The youth’s family is contacted and referrals for mental health resources are given.
Brenice Murlette PhD
Responsive Services Counselor Support
Richardson ISD Guidance & Counseling Department
469-593-7414 (email is the best way to reach me)
I responded asking for clarification as to what data on the internet was inaccurate and would the students screening results be entered into the Longitudinal Data System. I have received no response. Parents should be greatly concerned that you local school would/could administer mental health screenings on your child. There is no information private today within a school system. All data is available to 3rd parties outside the district despite what the district may tell you.
The following was sent home from Allen ISD.
Additional info below:
TeenScreen said to be unreliable.
TeenScreen: Life Saving Intervention or Orwellian Nighmare.
TeenScreen National Center for Mental Health Checkups
http://www.cchrstl.org/documents/TeenScreenWhitePaper.pdf
