Requests that the Dept. of Health and Hospitals, Dept. of Children and Family Services, and State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education study jointly the coordination of mental health and counseling resources for students
Impact
If HCR133 is implemented successfully, it could facilitate a significant increase in the availability and effectiveness of mental health resources within public schools across Louisiana. The resolution aims to provide a framework for these agencies to work together, which could lead to more efficient service delivery and improved mental health outcomes for students. By addressing the silos that currently exist between state agencies, HCR133 seeks to enhance the collective impact of existing programs and ensure that students receive appropriate support in a timely manner.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 133 (HCR133) urges a coordinated effort among the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to explore the feasibility of aligning state mental health and counseling resources for the benefit of public school students. The resolution emphasizes the importance of enhancing mental health support services, particularly in the wake of crises, accidents, or natural disasters within schools. It calls for a collaborative evaluation of existing state programs to identify gaps in service delivery and ensure comprehensive support for students.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR133 appears to be largely supportive, as it addresses critical needs in mental health for students and emphasizes the collaborative approach among state agencies. Legislators and advocates recognize the increasing need for mental health services in schools and endorse the resolution as a positive step towards addressing these challenges. However, there are underlying concerns about the adequacy of funding and resources necessary to implement the recommendations that may arise from the study.
Contention
Despite the overall positive sentiment, there may be contention regarding the organizational challenges of inter-agency collaboration and the adequacy of resources allocated to mental health services in schools. Critics could raise questions about whether the recommendation for agency coordination will translate into actionable measures or whether it may simply serve as a call to study the issues without leading to the necessary legislative or funding changes required to improve mental health services.
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to submit jointly a report to the legislature regarding the availability of water for student consumption at elementary and secondary schools.
Requests that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education study and submit a report relative to the provision of mental health services in schools and the possibility of providing mental health education to certain students
Requests the state Department of Education, Department of Children and Family Services, and Louisiana Department of Health to collaborate to increase mental health counseling in public schools
Requests the state Dept. of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop and adopt academic standards that are rigorous and effective for all La. students
Requests that the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education and others study potential funding sources for online courses offered through the Course Choice Program and opportunities for increasing broadband access for students
Requests that the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education study issues related to allowing students to carry a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device at school
Requests the state Dept. of Education, the La. Dept. of Health, and the Dept. of Children and Family Services to work collaboratively to coordinate opportunities and access to early childhood programs
Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to create a task force to study issues and develop a plan relative to quality after-school and expanded learning programs for students