Establishes requirements for removal of students from public school pending mental health clearance.
Impact
The legislation aims to standardize the protocol for students removed under these circumstances by instituting clear guidelines that require schools to document reasons for removal, notify parents promptly, and ensure students receive appropriate educational support during their absence. Importantly, the responsibility for mental health clearance and associated costs should mainly fall on the school, with families bearing costs only in specific situations. The regulations set forth in A2020 are intended to enhance student safety and provide schools with a structured approach to managing mental health crises.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2020 establishes a framework for the removal of students from public schools pending mental health clearance. The bill mandates that schools, educational services commissions, and approved private schools adhere to specified procedures when making decisions to remove a student from school due to potential risks associated with their mental health. This clearance must be assessed by a licensed mental health clinician to determine if the student poses a substantial risk to themselves or others if allowed to return to school.
Contention
While proponents of A2020 argue that it provides necessary protections for students and ensures their safety, concerns have been raised regarding the implementation of such policies and the potential impact on educational environments. Detractors worry that the legislation could lead to overreach in the removal of students for mental health evaluations, emphasizing the need for interventions before such drastic measures are taken. Critics also express concern that the bill may not adequately address the unique needs of students with disabilities, especially regarding individualized educational plans and timely reintegration into the school environment.
Requires parental notification when seclusion technique is utilized on student with disabilities; requires DOE to collect data on students with disabilities regarding exclusion from school pending psychiatric clearance and utilization of restraints and seclusion.
Requires parental notification when seclusion technique is utilized on student with disabilities; requires DOE to collect data on students with disabilities regarding exclusion from school pending psychiatric clearance and utilization of restraints and seclusion.
Requires parental notification when seclusion technique is utilized on student with disabilities; requires DOE to collect data on students disabilities regarding exclusion from school pending psychiatric clearance and utilization of restraints and seclusion.
Establishes student-athlete mental health specialists in school districts and public institutions of higher education; creates student-athlete mental health registry; makes appropriation.
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, educational programs, state and regional programs and services, and health care services for students.
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.
Requires parental notification when seclusion technique is utilized on student with disabilities; requires DOE to collect data on students with disabilities regarding exclusion from school pending psychiatric clearance and utilization of restraints and seclusion.
Requires parental notification when seclusion technique is utilized on student with disabilities; requires DOE to collect data on students with disabilities regarding exclusion from school pending psychiatric clearance and utilization of restraints and seclusion.
Requires parental notification when seclusion technique is utilized on student with disabilities; requires DOE to collect data on students disabilities regarding exclusion from school pending psychiatric clearance and utilization of restraints and seclusion.