VA HB38

Requires mental health awareness training for full-time teachers and relevant school personnel to address needs of youth populations at high risk of mental health challenges, based on American Psychological Association evidence-based best practices

Specifies high-risk youth populations that training must address: those bereaved by suicide, youth with mental or physical disabilities or chronic health conditions including substance use disorders, homeless or housing-unstable youth, foster care youth, and LGBTQ+ youth

Prohibits any biased or discriminatory treatment of high-risk youth populations under the training policies

Allows school boards to contract with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, community services boards, behavioral health authorities, nonprofit organizations, or certified trainers to provide the required training, including via online modules