The Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health (OCMH) is pleased to release and contribute to research reports and issue briefs. Below is a list of recent reports we have either issued ourselves or contributed to. That list is followed by our collection of Issue Briefs on critical children's mental health issues. These provide an overview of the issue, detail what is happening at the state and local level, what we know about funding, offers recommendations, and shares best practices, resources, and research on the topic. This page is updated regularly.
For more information:
Recent Reports
Building Better Connections with Families Project
Five schools in Wisconsin offered facilitated small group discussions with parents in 2022 to explore the effectiveness of focus groups as a tool for fostering parent engagement and to solicit parent feedback on the current state of engagement with schools. This report summarizes the feedback obtained from the focus groups and provides information from the perspective of parents that spans a range of topics. The project was developed collaboratively by the offices of Governor Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health, and the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service Research Partners.
Download the Summary Report here: Final Report - Building Better Connections with Families Project
Wisconsin School Mental Health Services: Comparative Analysis and Successful Practices
In 2022, graduate students from UW-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Policy conducted a study for OCMH. The study included findings from a survey of Wisconsin school districts as well as interviews with district staff who work in school mental health; a comparative analysis of other states; and policy recommendations.
Download the La Follette Comparative Analysis here: Wisconsin School Mental Health Services Comparative Analysis
Voices of Wisconsin Students Project: Learning, Coping, and Building Resilience During COVID-19
Students from 68 different communities across Wisconsin participated in virtual focus groups in January and February 2021 hosted by Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service Research Partners and the Medical College of Wisconsin – Central Wisconsin. Together with their peers, the students discussed a range of topics of importance to them. The project was developed with input from many partners including representatives of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health, and the University of Wisconsin - Extension.
Review the project findings on the WIPPS Research Partners website: Voices of Wisconsin Students: Project Findings
Voices of Wisconsin Students: Photovoice Project
In response to the Voices of Wisconsin Students Project, the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health, Department of Health Services Division of Care and Treatment Services, and the Bureau of Community Health Promotion identified the need for additional opportunities for the voice of Wisconsin students to be amplified. Partnering with the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Comprehensive Injury Center, this project aimed to provide Wisconsin students with a unique method to share their thoughts and experiences related to mental health and well-being.
Read the report and view photos from youth here: Photovoice Project Final Report
Download the one page implications document here: Photovoice Project Implications
Youth Listening Sessions Recommendations for Action
Elevating what youth from across the state said in OCMH Youth Listening Sessions, the Office of Children's Mental Health offers six insights and 11 recommendations that organizations can make to improve youth mental health in their policies, practices, and culture.
Download the Recommendations for Action here: Recommendations for Action Final
Issue Briefs
Student Mental Health
This brief provides an overview of what’s currently happening on the issue of school mental health. We aim to share progress that’s been made, what changes are on the horizon, as well as what recommendations and resources are currently available to help students.
Download the issue brief here: Student Mental Health, In Brief
If you have difficulty accessing our materials, or using our website, please let us know by emailing OCMH@wi.gov. We take digital accessibility seriously and welcome the opportunity to remove any barriers in accessing content.