Establishing the school district mental health intervention team program in statute to provide coordinated mental health services for students among school districts and community mental health centers.
Impact
This bill intends to alleviate the shortage of qualified mental health professionals in schools, particularly in rural areas where the need is acute but full-time staff may not be justifiable due to low student numbers. By forming partnerships with community mental health centers, the program aims to optimize existing resources and improve service delivery to students who are considered at risk or in need of mental health support. It enhances the capacity of school districts to provide tailored mental health interventions through structured collaboration with external providers, thereby fostering a holistic approach to student mental health care.
Summary
House Bill 2444 is designed to establish a formal mental health intervention team program within school districts across Kansas. This initiative is a continuation of a pilot program aimed at enhancing the coordination of mental health services for students, particularly those from kindergarten through 12th grade. The bill seeks to link school districts with community mental health centers to provide comprehensive support, thereby addressing the significant barriers that students and families often face in accessing these services. The legislation aims to ensure that mental health resources are available not only during the school year but throughout the entire year, promoting a more consistent and supportive environment for students in need.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2444 include concerns about funding, as appropriations may be limited, leading to possible disparities in service availability based on district needs or sizes. Additionally, stakeholders may express differing views on how effectively such initiatives can be implemented across various educational environments, particularly in communities that have historically been underserved or lack sufficient support structures in place to facilitate these mental health interventions. The requirement for memorandums of understanding between school districts and mental health centers may also spark discussion regarding bureaucratic hurdles and the potential need for flexibility in these partnerships to respond to local conditions.
Establishing the mental health intervention team program in the Kansas department for aging and disability services in state statute and providing incentives for coordination between school districts, qualified schools and mental health intervention team providers.
Relating to consideration of the mental health of public school students in training requirements for certain school employees, curriculum requirements, counseling programs, educational programs, state and regional programs and services, and health care services for students and to mental health first aid program training and reporting regarding local mental health authority and school district personnel.
Relating to consideration of the mental health of public school students in training requirements for certain school employees, curriculum requirements, counseling programs, educational programs, state and regional programs and services, and health care services for students and to mental health first aid program training and reporting regarding local mental health authority and school district personnel.
Relating to consideration of the mental health of public school students in training requirements for certain school employees, curriculum requirements, counseling programs, educational programs, state and regional programs and services, and health care services for students and to mental health first aid program training and reporting regarding local mental health authority and school district personnel.
Establishing the mental health intervention team program in the Kansas department for aging and disability services in state statute and providing incentives for coordination between school districts, qualified schools and mental health intervention team providers.
Making and concerning appropriations for fiscal years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 for various state agencies; constituting the omnibus reconciliation spending limit bill for the 2024 regular session; payment of certain claims against the state.
Relating to suicide prevention in public school curriculum and certain educational programs concerning suicide prevention and substance abuse prevention.
Relating to suicide prevention in public school curriculum and certain educational programs concerning suicide prevention and substance abuse prevention.