The Sonoma County Office of Education has launched a series of free, virtual mental health workshops for the 2026-27 school year. Designed for families and caregivers, the sessions aim to address critical gaps in youth behavioral health and provide accessible support across the region.
Structure and Origins of the Program
The workshops take place on Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. to accommodate working schedules. Each session is presented in both English and Spanish to reach a broad demographic. This is the fourth consecutive year the office has held these meetings. Mary Champion, a licensed marriage and family therapist and school psychologist with the office, stated the program emerged from a specific need for better information access for parents and caregivers.
Districts repeatedly requested improved outreach and psycho-education for families. By moving the sessions into a virtual space, the county provides resources to all districts regardless of their physical location. Champion noted that families who prefer anonymity can attend with their cameras off, allowing them to listen without the pressure of active participation.
Curriculum and Community Collaboration
The program has evolved from its initial form by incorporating partners such as Kaiser Permanente and the local non-profit group Positive Images. These groups assist in delivering presentations throughout the winter and spring. Past topics have included online safety, which saw a notable spike in attendance when hosted in collaboration with Common Sense Media.
Data for the current curriculum comes from YouthTruth surveys along with anecdotal reports from school leaders. Social media risks remain a primary concern for local families. In response to these findings, the office scheduled a dedicated session for February 2027 focused on artificial intelligence and its impact on student wellness. The September 10 session serves as the kickoff, covering suicide prevention and intervention techniques known as Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training, which is suitable for attendees aged 12 and older.
Regional Support and Future Goals
Beyond these workshops, the Sonoma County Office of Education maintains a bilingual consultation line for families seeking immediate connection to local resources. The goal remains to position schools as a reliable partner in the broader support network for children. A session on November 5 will address anxiety and school avoidance, offering practical strategies for adults to improve student attendance and mental health.
Champion views these sessions as a bridge between home and school systems. By sharing professional tools with the community, the education office expects to improve the collective ability to support the whole child. While the initial schedule is set, additional topics are expected to roll out later this fall. Families can register at the official office website or via telephone for assistance with access links.