Us Congress Senate Bill SB2072

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/21/23
• Refer: 6/21/23

Caption

Supporting Mental Health for Military Children Act

Impact

The implementation of this bill is anticipated to enhance mental health resources available to military children, who frequently undergo significant transitions and stressors related to their family dynamics. By providing regular mental health screenings, the program aims to identify issues early and facilitate support and treatment processes within school environments. The bill emphasizes collaboration between military medical facilities and local behavioral health clinics to ensure comprehensive care and support mechanisms for students identified as needing additional assistance.

Summary

SB2072, known as the 'Supporting Mental Health for Military Children Act', seeks to establish a pilot program for routine mental health check-ups in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA). The bill mandates that the Secretary of Defense implement this program within one year of its enactment, ensuring that students in DODEA schools receive necessary mental health screenings. These check-ups will be conducted by trained behavioral health providers and are designed to address common issues in children aged 3 to 17, including anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit disorders.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the funding and resources required to effectively implement the pilot program. As the bill allows for appropriations as needed through fiscal years 2024 to 2029, there could be debates on budget allocations and whether sufficient infrastructure exists within the DODEA schools to accommodate the program's demands. Moreover, ensuring parental consent and safeguarding student privacy are crucial aspects that may require careful considerations to address stakeholders' concerns over data handling and mental health interventions.