Connecting for Kids

A Model for Fostering Collaboration Between Education and Pediatrics to Support Youth Behavioral Health

Bibliographic Data

ID17337746
AuthorsAllison A Stiles (0000-0001-7004-1797, Department of Psychiatry University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester New York USA, corresponding author), Melissa Castle Heatly (0000-0002-4256-6382, Department of Psychiatry University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester New York USA), Laura Jean Shipley (Golisano Children's Hospital University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester New York USA)
Year2026
Volume96
Issue4
Pagese70134-e70134
Publication date2026-03-11
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of School Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-4391 • E-ISSN: 1746-1561
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/josh.70134
PMID41813252
OpenAlexW7135095636
LanguageEN
References cited38

BACKGROUND: This paper introduces Connecting for Kids (C4K), a semi-structured facilitated dialogue designed to enhance collaboration between primary care and schools in support of children's behavioral health (BH). Cross-sector collaboration holds promise for improving health and academic outcomes while increasing access to services, yet these sectors remain strikingly siloed. While facilitators have been identified, there are few well-defined, accessible models available to build collaborative relationships across child-serving systems. THEORETICAL CONTRIBUTIONS: C4K offers a replicable process that supports interprofessional teams in strengthening relationships, clarifying roles, and aligning shared outcomes. Grounded in community expertise and research, C4K aims to build the collaborative relationships needed to support children's BH. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: C4K has the potential to break down longstanding silos and strengthen integrated school health partnerships by defusing turf issues, enhancing trust and shared purpose, and streamlining communication. With its accessible structure and emphasis on systems-level change, C4K can promote equitable access to physical and BH services-particularly within under-resourced, high-stress contexts. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that C4K is a feasible, efficient strategy for bridging traditionally siloed systems and building sustainable infrastructure for collaboration to support children's BH

Bridging (networking) · Child health · MEDLINE · Program evaluation · Social support · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Digital Mental Health Interventions

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