MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING GRANTS

Creates the Mental Health Screening in Schools Grant Program Act. Sets forth findings. Provides that the purpose of the Mental Health Screening in Schools Grant Program shall be to provide funding and resources to allow school districts to implement depression screening programs to identify students in grades 7 through 12 who are at risk of depression. Provides conditions for school districts to meet when implementing its depression screening program. Provides that to assist districts in selecting a research-based screening tool to use as part of depression screening programs, the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Department of Children and Family Services, may develop a list of preapproved research-based screening tools that are validated to screen depression in adolescents. Provides that the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, shall within 180 days of the effective date of the Act develop guidance and resources for school districts to establish partnerships with organizations or health care providers specializing in pediatric and adolescent mental health to conduct depression screenings. Creates the Mental Health Screening in Schools Grant Program Fund. Provides that money in the Fund may be used by the State Board for operational expenses associated with the administration of Mental Health Screening in Schools Grant Program and for the payment of costs associated with providing grants to school districts in accordance with the Mental Health Screening in Schools Grant Program. Provides that the State Board of Education shall develop a report, or contract with a research institution to develop a report, to evaluate depression screening programs in school districts participating in the Mental Health Screening in Schools Grant Program as well as other school districts that have developed depression screening programs. Makes a corresponding change in the State Finance Act. Effective immediately.