Epic CARES

The Epic Safety and Security Plan is a comprehensive plan that will promote a positive school climate through reporting systems, emergency operation plans, drills, threat assessment, site assessment, staff and student training, mental health support, social services supports, and the hiring of security officers, once fully implemented. The multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) being developed and implemented through Epic CARES (Counseling And Resources for Every Student), is the component of that comprehensive plan that will provide tiered levels of support to meet identified needs among Epic's 28,454 students across the state of Oklahoma.

The Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF), a process guided by key stakeholders to develop a unified response to specifically address the needs of the population they serve, will enhance the MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) core features by intentionally including and integrating mental health and behavioral wellness for school safety. The backpack of resources provided to students will include services from Epic School Counselors along with services from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, CREOKS Behavioral Health Services, and Alliance Mental Health (with other service providers to be added). Backpack services will provide three levels of support Tier1) universal support offered to all students; Tier 2) targeted support offered to students needing additional intervention; and Tier 3) individual supports through intervention and treatment services for students identified through a risk assessment process.