Corrado Bill Strengthening Mental Health Assistance in Schools Advances

Legislation enhancing the availability of mental health services for students was endorsed by the Senate Education Committee today.

Sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado, the bill (S-3013) adapts references in the School Funding Reform Act of 2008 and all related statutes to reflect that secure schools include provisions for supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing.

“The emotional and psychological stress of the COVID pandemic has effected the lives of New Jersey residents of all ages, but school-age children are especially at risk,” said Corrado (R-40). “Students who are quarantined away from friends and blocked from school and social activities can become isolated and depressed. Now more than ever, we must ensure that our schools are capable of identifying students who are in crisis and in need of mental health services.”

According to a report issued last year by the New Jersey School Boards Association, young people’s access to mental health services is severely limited, and an alarming number of 10- to 24-year-olds were treated in emergency rooms for self-inflicted injuries or suicide attempts.

“We’re acknowledging that mental health and school security and safety are inseparable,” Corrado said. “Statistically, half of the young people who have been diagnosed with mental illnesses lack access to appropriate services. With treatment, these students can live normal, productive lives, and this legislation will make help more accessible.”

Corrado’s bill changes all references of security aid to health and safety aid in the School Funding Reform Act, and amends the Secure Schools for All Children Act to provide that the aid allocated for security services to non-public schools may also be used for mental health services.