Schools are an essential setting for supporting adolescent health and well-being, especially as adolescents navigate trauma and disruptions lingering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Developing robust referral systems can help connect youth to needed services in a more effective, timely, and ade-appropriate way, supporting their health now and improving their long-term well-being.

This toolkit is designed to help schools develop effective referral systems, including establishing policies, outlining roles and responsibilities, and marketing available services.

The design of this implementation toolkit was informed by the PS18-1807 Program Guidance: Guidance for School-Based HIV/STD Prevention (Component 2) Recipients of PS18-1807, as well as evidence-based practices from the health and educational fields including lessons learned on how to stay connected with youth during times of disruption to ensure they have continued access to the care and support they need.