Requires the state education department to develop a model mental health training program to serve as the mental health component of required school safety trainings as part of comprehensive district-wide safety plans developed by each district-wide school safety team.
Impact
If enacted, A08339 will necessitate that each school district implement this model mental health training program, or an equivalent program approved by the state. The program is intended to equip school staff with the knowledge to identify mental health warning signs and provide the necessary support to students needing assistance. This development aligns with broader efforts to improve mental health resources and responses within the educational system, which have come to the forefront in recent years as mental health challenges among students have escalated.
Summary
Bill A08339, introduced in the New York Assembly by M. of A. Gibbs, mandates the state education department to develop a model mental health training program specifically designed to be an integral part of the required school safety training for educational staff. This initiative aims to enhance the understanding and recognition of mental health issues among school personnel, thereby contributing to a safer environment for students. The bill targets teachers, assistants, aides, and various other non-instructional staff, ensuring a comprehensive approach to mental well-being in schools.
Contention
While the bill presents a proactive step in addressing mental health within schools, there may be contention regarding the execution and funding of these training programs. Schools might face challenges in integrating this requirement with existing safety and training protocols, especially considering budgetary constraints. Furthermore, discussions around the effectiveness and adequacy of the proposed training could arise, focusing on how well it prepares staff to handle real crises regarding students' mental health and well-being.
Requires training for teachers, administrators and instructors in the area of mental health response; requires office of mental health to assist in development of curriculum for training.
Requires training for teachers, administrators and instructors in the area of mental health response; requires office of mental health to assist in development of curriculum for training.
Requires the commissioner of education, in conjunction with the commissioner of health and the commissioner of mental health, to develop model mental health screenings for students and associated guidelines to assist school mental health screeners to perform mental health screening services to identify concerns in students' mental health.
Requires the commissioner of education, in conjunction with the commissioner of health and the commissioner of mental health, to develop model mental health screenings for students and associated guidelines to assist school mental health screeners to perform mental health screening services to identify concerns in students' mental health.
Requires two qualified psychiatrists to be employed by each school district to perform and coordinate the provision of mental health services in the public schools.
Requires two qualified psychiatrists to be employed by each school district to perform and coordinate the provision of mental health services in the public schools.
Relates to domestic violence training for health and mental health professionals; requires such trainings to be updated annually by the office for the prevention of domestic violence; requires the office to collect data on participation of such trainings by health professionals.
Requires reporting of statewide training hours allocated to each firefighter; requires such report shall identify the fire department or district providing the training.
Directs the office of mental health to establish programs for the training and development of persons capable of providing coaching and support to individuals under treatment plans developed by licensed mental health practitioners, including but not limited to a process of issuing, either directly or through contract, credentials for qualified mental health associates.