Relating to: a pilot school-centered mental health program. (FE)

SB 245 establishes a two-year pilot program for school-centered mental health services at two selected schools (one rural, one urban) to support at-risk students and families. The bill requires participating schools to offer existing behavioral health resources and allow surveys/data sharing, while mandating providers to deliver year-round therapy, family coaching, classroom observations, and community resource connections. Funding from the Department of Health Services covers full-time therapist and family coach positions at these schools, with providers required to report on improvements in students' mental health symptoms, social needs, and academic/social-emotional growth. The pilot aims to evaluate how integrated school-based mental health services impact student well-being and academic outcomes before potential expansion.