Direction Services
Direction Services provides support to students with complex mental health, behavioral and educational needs who are enrolling in PPS following an extended absence from a public school setting.
This cross-disciplinary team includes staff from the PPS Enrollment and Transfer Center, Student Support Services, Special Education, and Education Options, as well as the community partners supporting incoming students.
Population Served
The Direction Services team will serve students who have been absent from a public school setting for at least 20 consecutive school days and are:
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being discharged from a residential mental health and/or alcohol and drug treatment program,
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being discharged from a DARTS or other day treatment program, or
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Involved in the juvenile justice system and are on probation or parole.
Services Provided
The primary focus of Direction Services is to assist students in successfully transitioning into PPS by providing:
- a single point of entry for families and community providers,
- assistance to schools through gathering information, attending agency discharge meetings and identifying involved community contracts,
- participation in IEP review and placement meetings at agencies that provide Special Education services, and
- assistance to families and community partners in exploring PPS funded alternative educational options and navigating the enrollment and transfer process.
Community Resource Team
A multi-agency group* of mental health professionals provides assistance to school teams and families through:
- a 45-minute solution focused dialogue with schools, family and Community Resource Team members,
- exploration of district and community resources,
- specific recommendations to enhance student success, and
- links to community resources for students.
* Includes Multnomah County Mental Health, Developmental Disability Services, Morrison Child & Family Services and Child Welfare personnel.
