- Mill Valley School District
- Resources for Families
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Mill Valley School District partnered with Care Solace to support our community’s mental health. If you or a family member are looking for help with your mental health or substance use, you can use Care Solace to anonymously find community therapists or treatment programs matched to your needs regardless of circumstances.
Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential service provided to students, staff, and their families by Mill Valley School District.
If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
- Call 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365 in any language.
- Visit www.caresolace.com/mvschools and either search on your own , OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Resources for Parents/Guardians
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Guidance for Parents: Discussing Sensitive Incidents and Ensuring Child Safety
Encourage Open Dialogue:
- Begin by asking your child what they have heard about the incident. This approach allows them to express their feelings and concerns, making it easier for you to understand their perspective and respond appropriately.
- Use open-ended questions to encourage discussion, such as "What have you heard about what happened?" or "How do you feel about what you've heard?"
Discuss Privacy and Safety:
- Clearly explain that everyone has parts of their body that are private. Emphasize that it is never appropriate for an adult to touch or take pictures of these private parts.
- Discuss the importance of boundaries and respecting one's own body. This conversation can also include talking about who they can trust and how to say "no."
Assure Them of Safety:
- Strongly affirm that if someone does touch them inappropriately, it is not their fault. Make it clear that they can always come to you or another trusted adult, like a family member or a school counselor, if they ever feel uncomfortable or scared.
- Reassure them that their home and school should be safe places, and everyone is working to keep it that way.
Maintain Perspective:
- Acknowledge that while this situation is serious and involves someone they might know, most teachers and school staff are people who care deeply about the well-being and safety of their students.
- Reinforce that the actions of one individual do not represent everyone and that there are many people at school and in the community who are there to help them learn and grow in a safe environment.
Focus on safety and the importance of following rules:
- Explain that the law is there to keep people safe, and sometimes they take people into custody only to investigate a situation.
- Reassure the children that they are safe and that situation does not involve them.
- Let children know that the arrested person may have broken laws and thaet everyone needs to follow the rules.
Address feelings:
- Allow children to express their feelings and validate them.
- Explain it’s normal to feel scared or confused when hearing about an arrest, but they can always talk to a trusted adult if they have any questions or concerns.
Counseling Resources:
The district has contracted with Care Solace to assist families and staff with locating local mental health resources. Marin Mobile Crisis Response Team operates 24/7 to ensure individuals can access mental health support whenever necessary, regardless of the time of day or night.
If you or your child need further support, the following counseling services are available:
- Buckelew Programs
- Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
- Hospice by the Bay
- Bay Area Community Resources
- North Marin Community Services
- 211 Bay Area
- Huckleberry Youth
- National Sexual Assault Hotline
Additional Resources:
For more in-depth discussion or guidance, consider exploring these resources:
- How to Talk to Your Children About Body Safety (all ages)
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Caring for Kids: What Parents Need to Know About Sexual Abuse
- How and when do I talk to my kids about sex, consent, and safety? - Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids (childmind.org)
- Teach Consent: Parents — Teach Consent
- Talk with your Kids: What is a healthy relationship: What Is a Healthy Relationship? | Talk With Your Kids
- 6 Resources to Help Parents Talk to Kids About Consent | National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) (all ages)
- National Association of School Psychologists - Talking to Children About Death
- Child Mind Institute - How to Talk to Kids About Death
- The Dougy Center - Tips for Supporting Grieving Children