Kansas House Bill HB2444

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/2/23
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

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.