Care and Treatment
Care and Treatment Support
Lakeville Area Schools is committed to supporting student health and well-being. For some students, maintaining their health requires participation in care and treatment programming related to mental health and/or substance use needs.
While a student is attending a treatment program, Lakeville Area Schools provides supports such as transportation and school case coordination to help ensure a successful transition back to school.
Planning for a School Absence During Care and Treatment
If your child will be attending a care and treatment program during the school day, please:
- Contact your child’s
- School Counselor (elementary), or
- Student Support Specialist (middle school), and/or
- Social Worker (high school)
- Work with school staff to review and develop an academic plan to support your child while they are in treatment.
Planning for Care and Treatment Transportation
When a student is admitted to a day treatment program, families should set up transportation as soon as possible.
- Contact your child’s
- School Counselor (elementary), or
- Student Support Specialist (middle school), or
- Social Worker (high school)
Please provide:
- Student name
- Start date of programming
- Estimated length of services
- Name and address of the treatment facility
Transportation Guidelines
- Transportation is provided to treatment facilities located within 40 miles of the district’s geographic boundaries.
- Transportation to facilities beyond 40 miles requires administrative review and approval and may be denied. Families may request a review by contacting Student Services at studentservices@isd194.org.
- Please allow up to 5 business days for transportation to be coordinated with the bus company. If programming begins before transportation is in place, families may need to arrange temporary transportation.
- Transportation is only provided during regular district operating hours. Transportation is not provided during school breaks, holidays, summer schedules, or other non-school days.
- District transportation to care and treatment programs is provided when students are accessing the educational component of the program. If the educational program is not operating on a given day (e.g., early release or staff development), transportation is not provided.
Planning for Return to School
As soon as a discharge date is known, please contact your child’s school team to:
- Update transportation plans, if needed
- Schedule a reintegration planning meeting to support a smooth return to school
Lakeville Area Schools is committed to making this process as seamless as possible for families accessing care and treatment services. If you have questions at any time, please contact Student Services at studentservices@isd194.org and we will be happy to assist you.
Care and Treatment FAQ
What is a care and treatment program?
A care and treatment program is a specialized program designed to support students who are experiencing significant mental health and/or substance use challenges that cannot be effectively addressed in a traditional school setting. These programs focus on stabilization, therapy, and skill-building so students can successfully return to school.
Will my child receive schoolwork while in treatment?
This depends on the treatment program. Many facilities provide on-site educational services. Your school team will work with the facility, when appropriate, to coordinate an academic plan and support your child’s transition back to school.
Who should I stay in contact with while my child is in treatment?
Your main school contact may include your child’s school counselor, student support specialist, or social worker. Staying connected helps us plan for both academics and reintegration.
How do I set up transportation to the treatment program?
As soon as your child is admitted, contact your child’s counselor/student support specialist/social worker with the start date, estimated length of stay, and the facility’s name and address. Transportation typically takes up to five business days to arrange.
What if the treatment center is more than 40 miles away?
Transportation to facilities located more than 40 miles from the district’s geographic boundaries requires administrative review and approval and may be denied. Please contact Student Services at studentservices@isd194.org to discuss your specific situation. Each request is considered individually.
What happens if treatment starts before transportation is arranged?
Families may need to provide temporary transportation until district transportation can begin. We encourage families to notify us as early as possible to minimize delays.
Is transportation provided during school breaks or holidays?
No. Transportation is only provided during the regular district operating hours. Transportation is not provided during school breaks, holidays, summer schedules, or other non-school days.
How will my child transition back to school?
Before your child returns, the school team will schedule a reintegration meeting with you (and your child, when appropriate). This meeting helps plan for academic support, schedule adjustments, and any needed services to ensure a successful return.
Will my child’s information be kept confidential?
Yes. Student information is handled in accordance with state and federal privacy laws. School staff work closely with families and, when appropriate, treatment providers to support students while protecting confidentiality.
Who do I contact if I’m not sure where to start?
Start with the counselor at your child’s school. You can always reach out to Student Services at studentservices@isd194.org. We will help connect you with the right people and guide you through the process.
