The Behavioral Health: Suspension & Expulsion Coalition, facilitated by HANDS in Autism® through Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) funding, is making significant strides in addressing behavioral health challenges in schools across Indiana. This coalition includes diverse districts such as Bremen Public Schools, Clarksville Community Schools, and Shelby Eastern Schools, representing different demographics from north to south across the state. 
Purpose
The coalition's primary goal is to develop a comprehensive trajectory for behavioral health objectives. This includes data collection, resource sharing, and creating decision-making pathways aimed at reducing suspensions and expulsions in schools.
Approach
Utilizing frameworks like Tuckman's stages of team development and Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC), the coalition encourages participants to map resources, align goals, and ensure diverse representation. Each district selects specific target areas, such as chronic absenteeism, parent engagement, and low SES populations, which are chosen as proximal outcomes that ultimately impact suspension and expulsion rates.
Next Steps
Following an in-person meeting in January, coalition participants will engage in monthly virtual meetings from February to May 2025. These sessions will focus on refining strategies, gathering field data, and enhancing resource accessibility through an online portal.
This initiative aims to create a sustainable infrastructure for addressing behavioral health by bridging gaps between research, policy, and practice, while fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
Learn more about HANDS work with the Indiana Department of Education and the Coalition at Indiana Department of Education