Requests the state Department of Education to identify providers of violence and suicide prevention training that is available at no or low cost.
Impact
Should SCR50 be fully enacted, it would require the Department of Education to assess current training providers and report their findings, which may lead to the implementation of new training programs aimed at students. This could significantly impact state laws related to school safety and mental health initiatives, reinforcing the focus on evidence-based practices in education. Furthermore, the resolution encourages the identification of funding opportunities to support these training programs, which could help customize approaches to better meet local community needs.
Summary
SCR50 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from Louisiana urging the state Department of Education to identify no-cost and low-cost evidence-based training providers for students. The resolution highlights critical topics, including social inclusion, violence prevention, and suicide prevention, emphasizing essential measures to ensure the safety and well-being of young people in educational environments. It addresses alarming statistics around bullying and violent incidents within schools, underscoring the need for proactive educational initiatives as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve student mental health and safety.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR50 appears to be generally supportive, given the non-partisan nature of the issues it addresses—youth safety and mental health are priorities across political lines. However, discussions may arise regarding the effectiveness of the training programs identified and whether they will adequately address the specific needs of schools and their student populations. Advocates view this resolution as a vital step forward in safeguarding students, while potential critics may question the execution and resources required for its successful implementation.
Contention
Notable points of contention may include concerns regarding the adequacy of the training provided, the integration of these programs into existing school curricula, and the potential challenges of funding both public and private training initiatives. The resolution acknowledges the involvement of multiple stakeholders, such as educators and mental health professionals, which indicates that the implementation process may face scrutiny from those advocating for targeted and effective solutions to youth violence and mental health issues within Louisiana's educational framework.
Requires the implementation of suicide prevention and student safety and violence and social isolation prevention training and the creation of clubs at certain public schools (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)
Requests that DHH study and develop a list of best practices suicide prevention training programs to make available in Louisiana to offer for training groups of Louisiana professionals and citizens on a voluntary basis.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Education to develop and implement a system for collecting and reporting aggregated, non-identifiable data on suicide risk assessments conducted in public schools.
Requests the management boards of Louisiana's public colleges and universities consider including in certain schools disciplines and degree programs, suicide assessment, and prevention training that meet the Suicide Prevention Resource Center best practices standards.
Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to prioritize mental health instruction and training in suicide prevention in its rulemaking process
Relating to suicide prevention in public school curriculum and certain educational programs concerning suicide prevention and substance abuse prevention.
Enacts the student suicide prevention act; requires the governing board or body of every local educational agency serving students in grades seven to twelve, to adopt policies, procedures and guidelines on student suicide prevention, intervention and postvention for students in such grades.
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.