Fort Smith, Ark. — A new bill introduced in the Arkansas legislature aims to address the growing need for mental health services in schools. House Bill 1179, filed on Tuesday by Representative DeAnn Vaught (R-Horatio), seeks to establish mental health screening programs for children and adolescents in public schools and childcare facilities.
The proposed legislation would provide mental health screenings for children ages birth through 19, with participation contingent on parental or guardian consent. If the bill is approved, schools and childcare centers, including public schools, open-enrollment charter schools, and private institutions, could offer these screenings, which would be selected by the institutions in collaboration with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Education.
Under the bill’s provisions, parents or guardians who opt for the screening would receive the results and be notified about available mental health resources. In addition, if sufficient funding is appropriated, DHS could distribute financial assistance to help cover any costs for services that cannot be provided directly by the school’s mental health professionals.
This initiative reflects growing concerns over mental health among young people and the desire to address these issues at an earlier stage. If passed, the bill could pave the way for broader mental health support in educational settings, offering a proactive approach to student well-being and providing families with the tools to access necessary resources.