Utilizing cross-sector collaboration to improve access to behavioral health services in schools

The benefits and challenges of cross-sector collaboration are well outlined in the literature on community network development. Two sectors, schools and community behavioral health agencies, often work with the same youth inasmuch as students with behavioral difficulties in schools may also receive services from behavioral health providers. The purpose of this article is to present a case study on the implementation of a screening, triage, and referral process developed by a Central Virginia school system and community service board as part of a collaborative network which may provide generalized lessons that other organizations consider when addressing behavioral problems in schools.