DE SCR40

Formally recognizes the important role of school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, and other school-based mental health professionals in Delaware schools

Acknowledges that 1 in 5 children has a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorder according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Notes that school-based mental health programs improve educational outcomes by increasing attendance and graduation rates, decreasing discipline referrals, and boosting student achievement

Highlights Delaware's challenges in recruiting and retaining school-based mental health professionals and calls for improved staffing ratios

Encourages a multi-prong approach to improve recruitment and retention of school-based mental health professionals to support student well-being and academic achievement