IL HB4495

Amends the School Code to require school guidance counselors, teachers, school social workers, and other school personnel working with grades 7-12 to be trained to identify warning signs of mental illness and suicidal behavior in adolescents and teens.

Mandates training include appropriate intervention and referral techniques for students showing signs of mental illness or suicidal behavior.

Applies the mental illness training requirement to Section 10-22.39 (in-service training programs) and Section 34-18.7 (adolescent and teen mental illness and suicide detection and intervention).

Training may be provided within existing in-service training programs or as part of professional development activities required under Section 21-14 of the School Code.