Orange County Student Mental Health

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Identity Support Plan for Elementary (IDSPE) Explainer

Audience(s): Health or Mental Health Professional, School Staff or Administrators

Focus Population: LGBTQ

Topics: Culturally Responsive Supports, School Climate and Classroom Supports

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An Identity Support Plan for Elementary (IDSPE) provides the opportunity for school staff to work together with gender-diverse students, and potentially their caregivers, to understand and identify ways in which the student’s identity is respected and supported at school. The IDSPE process fosters an educational environment that is safe and supportive for ALL students, and it serves as an effective tool to help guide school staff through conversations with families, other caregivers, and children. Typically, a school staff member who has built a level of trust or comfort with the student or family may fill out the IDSPE form and facilitate the collaborative IDSPE process. Staff should take initiative and offer the IDSPE to students and their families when concerns or needs around safety and identity have been disclosed. This document explains the IDSPE process, provides guidance about how to use the IDSPE tool created by OC Student Mental Health, and offers strategies and discussion tips that school staff can use when working with caregivers and students.