Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSCs) are located in schools, and each center works to meet the needs of both students and families in its school community. FRYSCs focus on removing barriers to learning so all students can become academically proficient.

FRYSC/JCPS Goals: Educational Achievement for All Students

• Improve attendance

• Decrease behavior/suspension issues

• Increase academic support

• Improve physical/mental health

• Improve parent relations, support, and assistance

Academic and college/career planning provides all students with the opportunity to identify strengths, areas in need of improvement, and areas of interest early on so students and their families can set postsecondary goals and make informed choices to support students in reaching the desired outcome. The focus of academic and career planning is threefold: to help students acquire the skills needed to achieve academic success, to make connections between school and life experiences, and to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be college- and career-ready upon high school graduation. Counselors believe that education has the power to erase poverty and redefine lives. Each student, at each educational level, is exposed to a college-going culture at school. Counselors help students and parents navigate through the college application process during high school. Students explore career opportunities and interests as they discover and set postsecondary goals. Check with your child's school counselor to learn more about college and career events/activities and supports that are offered at your child's school.

Today’s young people live in an exciting time, with an increasingly diverse and mobile society, new technologies, and expanding opportunities. To help ensure they are prepared to become the next generation of parents, workers, leaders, and citizens, every student needs support, guidance, and opportunities during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and change. Adolescents face unique and diverse personal and developmental challenges that impact academic achievement.

Students’ safety and well-being are of the utmost importance to all JCPS staff members. Counselors know the statistics related to suicide and are trained to recognize warning signs and risk factors. The counselors have the skills to talk with students about their social/emotional status. If a counselor believes a student is in possible danger of inflicting harm to himself or herself, the parent will be notified immediately to collaborate on the next steps and make sure the student receives mental health assistance.

In addition, middle and high schools must disseminate suicide prevention awareness information to all students by September 1 of each school year (House Bill 51-2010). All certified middle and high school staff members, including principals, guidance counselors, and teachers, complete a minimum of two hours of self-study review of suicide prevention materials each school year (Senate Bill 65-2010).

If you feel your child or loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, there are community and national resources available to assist them.

For information on Kentucky legislation on suicide prevention, visit the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) website. 

Students’ unmet mental health needs can be a significant obstacle to their academic, career, and social/emotional development. Good mental health is critical to children’s success in school and in life. As a parent, finding the right help for your child can be a scary and unfamiliar process. However, you are not alone!

Parents can work with their child's school counselor to find the right support to overcome mental health barriers. Counselors can help your child find support at school and in the community.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health issue, there are many ways to get help. Use the following resources to find assistance for yourself, a friend, or a family member.

For general information on mental health and to locate treatment services in your area, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Referral Helpline at 1‑877‑SAMHSA7 (1‑877‑726‑4727). SAMSHA also has a Behavioral Health Treatment Locator on its website that can be searched by location.

National agencies and advocacy and professional organizations have information on finding a mental health professional and sometimes practitioner locators on their websites. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America

• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

• Mental Health America

• National Alliance on Mental Illness

• Just for Teens: A Personal Plan for Managing Stress

• Care Solace: Help for Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and More

Some federal agencies offer resources for identifying practitioners and assistance in finding low-cost health services. These include the following:

• Health Resources & Services Administration: The Health Resources & Services Administration works to improve access to healthcare. The website has information on finding affordable healthcare, including health centers that offer care on a sliding scale.

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has information on the website about benefits and eligibility for these programs and how to enroll.

• The National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus website also has lists of directories and organizations that can help in identifying a health practitioner.

• Practitioner lists in healthcare plans can provide mental health professionals that participate with your plan.