Connecticut House Bill HB05241

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/15
• Refer: 1/12/15

Caption

An Act Authorizing Boards Of Education To Adopt A Ratio Of Two Hundred Fifty Students Per Social Worker For The School District.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05241 would enable local and regional boards of education to utilize state mental health funds to cover the costs associated with hiring additional social workers to achieve the proposed student-to-social worker ratio. This could lead to significant improvements in mental health support within schools, potentially reducing the burden on existing staff and creating a more responsive educational environment for students in need of social work services.

Summary

House Bill 05241 seeks to amend Chapter 170 of the general statutes to establish a permitted ratio of 250 students per social worker for school districts. This legislative initiative is driven by an increasing recognition of the importance of mental health resources within educational institutions. By allowing boards of education the flexibility to adopt this ratio, the bill aims to enhance the level of support and guidance available to students through additional social worker hiring.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue it is a necessary step towards ensuring students receive adequate mental health support, concerns may arise regarding the funding and resource allocation from state mental health funds. Critics may question whether the state can sustain the financial responsibilities of supporting this initiative long-term, especially in budget-strained environments. Thus, the effectiveness of the bill may depend on the state's ability to provide the necessary resources consistently.