Bastrop ISD renews recovery support as student substance use increases

Bastrop ISD trustees renewed an agreement for student substance use and recovery services at the Oct. 15 board meeting. Officials explained that the renewal is necessary as substance use by students continues to grow.

The details

The memorandum of understanding between Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, which provides counseling services, and the district first began in 2022, according to agenda documents.

Some of the highlights of the agreement include:

• Consultation regarding substance abuse issues, care and/or services
• Ensuring access to psychiatric and psychological services, in-house or by referral
• Ongoing coordination between the mental health and substance use providers
• Weekly progress reports to a designated BISD staff member of students in the program

• Assessments
• Psychiatric services
• Individual, group and family counseling
• Drug screenings
• Customized treatment plans
• 24/7 crisis hotline

Janel Morris, BISD director of student services, said that the need for these services has nearly doubled since the 2023-24 school year, adding that as of Oct. 15 of last year, 51 students had been referred for the services—while this year, 97 have already been referred.

“The need for this partnership is greater than ever before,” Morris said during the meeting. “Substance abuse is a growing problem in the Austin, Texas, area, and our students have been deeply impacted by this trend.”

Notable quote

“We want to empower all of our students to make responsible choices in order to shape a positive trajectory for their future,” Morris said. “We want to prevent lifelong addiction and increased risks of crime, poverty and premature death from substance abuse.”