CT SB00654

Creates a mental health first aid program under the Commissioner of Children and Families to provide core training courses (live or online) to teachers, caregivers, parents, and guardians of school-age children on mental health crisis response and connecting individuals to local mental health services.

Establishes an annual grant program funded through legislative appropriations to provide grants to entities for creating online or community-based programs for detecting and preventing emotional and behavioral problems in youth.

Requires grant recipients to train participants to safely de-escalate crisis situations, recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorder, and refer individuals to early mental health services.

Directs the Commissioner to evaluate grant applications based on staff qualifications, community support, program capacity, and evidence of program stability, with grants to be issued by September 15 of each year.

Requires grant recipients to submit evaluations and annual report cards to the Commissioner using results-based accountability formats developed by relevant General Assembly committees.