DE HB6

Requires each school district and charter school to employ one Mental Health Professional and one Mental Health Coordinator beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, with state funding provided.

Mental Health Professionals and Coordinators must develop partnerships with community-based organizations and establish collaborative relationships with families, behavioral health providers, and local businesses to expand access to mental health services.

Requires development of a culturally competent, trauma-informed, evidence-based implementation plan that includes mental health awareness programs, staff training, youth screening processes, brief intervention services, and emergency response protocols.

Department of Education must establish qualifications for Mental Health Professionals and Coordinators, including consideration of applicants' knowledge of their school district and surrounding community.

School districts and charter schools must complete a needs assessment and resource map within six months of hiring and submit it to the Department, documenting the district's mental health services status and behavioral health disparities.