School Mental Health Bill Clears Senate

A bill to provide mental health care for Indiana students narrowly passed the state Senate this week.

It would establish a grant program for schools to add mental health programs, instruction, and resources. In its journey through the Senate, it underwent numerous changes because of concerns about privacy and consent. The bill requires consent from parents or guardians before students participate in assessment or treatment.

Bill author, Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield), says the creation of an integrated mental health system is a key step in preventing school violence.

“Every recent incident in Indiana that I’m aware of has not been a total surprise,” says Crider. “Someone knew that student was having issues.”

Crider says the state has a duty to help create a system that identifies children in need of mental health services.

“Are we intervening at all? Are we trying to make sure that doesn’t happen?” Crider says.

In the wake of both state and national school shootings, people like Indiana’s state schools superintendent and a statewide children’s commission have recognized the need for increased mental health programs in schools. Several Indiana districts have even received federal grant money to support student mental health resources.

The bill now goes to the House.