Includes policies and procedures for responding to students having mental health crises in a manner that does not include contacting law enforcement unless implied or direct threats of violence or other criminal activity is involved in school safety plans.
Impact
The passage of S07504 could significantly alter how schools approach mental health crises among students. By formally integrating mental health crisis intervention protocols into school safety plans, the bill necessitates that educational institutions take a proactive role in addressing the needs of students in distress. This change could lead to a reduction in the criminalization of mental health issues in schools, promoting instead, a supportive environment. It also underscores a shift in policy towards understanding mental health as a serious concern that requires immediate attention rather than a security issue.
Summary
Bill S07504 aims to enhance school safety plans in New York by including explicit policies and procedures for responding to students experiencing mental health crises. The primary objective of the bill is to ensure that such crisis situations are handled with appropriate measures rather than an automatic escalation to law enforcement intervention, unless there are direct threats of violence or criminal activity. This legislative initiative reflects a growing awareness of the importance of mental health support within educational environments and seeks to create a safer school climate for all students.
Contention
Notably, the inclusion of mental health crisis response in school safety plans could evoke contention among various stakeholders. Advocates for mental health may praise the bill for promoting a compassionate approach to student welfare. Conversely, some may argue about the implications of reducing law enforcement involvement, particularly in situations where safety could be compromised. The balance between ensuring student safety and providing necessary mental health support will be a central point of discussion as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
Same As
Includes policies and procedures for responding to students having mental health crises in a manner that does not include contacting law enforcement unless implied or direct threats of violence or other criminal activity is involved in school safety plans.
Includes policies and procedures for responding to students having mental health crises in a manner that does not include contacting law enforcement unless implied or direct threats of violence or other criminal activity is involved in school safety plans.
Includes policies and procedures for responding to students having mental health crises in a manner that does not include contacting law enforcement unless implied or direct threats of violence or other criminal activity is involved in school safety plans.
Prohibits the use of certain restraints and aversive interventions against students; includes policies and procedures for responding to students who have mental health crises in school safety plans; provides that no student shall be subjected to chemical restraints, mechanical restraints, or seclusion on school property; requires the board of education or trustees of each public school and school district to develop a procedure to notify the parent or legal guardian of a student on the same day a physical restraint is applied on such student, such student is placed in a time out room, or such student is subjected to a prohibited form of discipline.
Directs the commissioner of education to establish a statewide school safety tip line to permit students and others to report information related to incidents of students causing harm to the physical or mental health of another student or school employee, or a threat of such harm.
Prohibits falsely reporting an incident and/or making a terroristic threat which include claims of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument being involved or which threaten a school or place of worship.
Relates to including outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insurance policies covering care for other mental health services.
Relates to including outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insurance policies covering care for other mental health services.
Deems individuals facing criminal charges as being incapable of consent when the actor is a police officer, peace officer or other law enforcement agent who knows or reasonably should know that such person is facing pending charges unless such person is a member of the same family or household as such police officer, peace officer or other law enforcement agent.