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Streetsboro community deals with children's mental health after deadly shooting

In Ohio, if your child or someone you know needs help, you can text 4HOPE to 741741.

STREETSBORO, Ohio — The Streetsboro community is having a tough conversation about mental health with children, after a 13-year-old boy was accused of intentionally killing his 11-year-old brother.

The police report said the teen had previously made comments about hurting himself. We talked to counselors who want to make sure anyone dealing with those feelings know where to find help.

“Most common is if somebody mentions they are going to harm themselves or harm other people, it's important to take them seriously,” said Karyn Hall, the Portage County Mental Health & Recovery Board.

Hall said a packet was given to students at Streetsboro City Schools on Tuesday, the day after the shooting. The packet contains information about children experiencing depression, when to worry, and how children react to grief differently than adults.

In response to the shooting, Streetsboro City Schools brought in counselors and canceled state testing.

“The school administration in this case in Streetsboro have been very proactive with us, getting the support, they need with the children because it's an emotional event,” said Nelson Burns, MD with Coleman Professional Services.

The shooting happened at around 9:30 p.m. Monday, while a babysitter was watching the boys.

"Something terrible has happened,” said the babysitter to 911 dispatch.

MORE | 911 call describes scene after Streetsboro teen shoots 11-year-old brother dead

Police said it appears this shooting was not an accident.

“Anger in children is a sign of depression,” said Hall.

A man who lives right across the street on Alden Drive told Channel 3 he did see some counselors visit the boys’ house in the past. Dr. Burns said the big take-away is to not be afraid to ask the tough questions when you talk to your child.

“How are you feeling? What's going on? I've noticed some change in behavior,” said Burns.

In Ohio, if your child or someone you know needs help, you can text 4HOPE to 741741.

For residents in Portage County, they can also call the Portage County Mental Health & Recovery Board’s local hotline at 330-296-3555 or 330-678-4357.

“Especially if it's lasting for more than two weeks, their friends have changed,” said Hall. “That's a good time to talk to the school, teachers. Are they seeing the same things?”

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