Illinois First in Nation for Required Student Mental Evaluations

Growing up is hard, and for many, school can add to the difficulty. The state of Illinois has recognized the struggle some kids are living and has implemented a plan to proactive about helping.

Some students need extra help and to know that someone will listen

When I was in school, by the time I got to middle school/Junior high in the “Land of Lincoln”, we had student counselors. Illinois does allow for public schools to have these professionals on staff. Back in the day they doubled up as academic advisors and also counselors if you were having problems, whether they were with a class, teacher, other students, or if there was a bigger problem keeping you from achieving your academic goals, you could meet with them. (Full disclosure - This was back in the twentieth century)

School districts in Illinois have the option to provide counseling

Governor JB Pritzker just signed a new law mandating that public schools offer students in Illinois between 3^rd and 12^th grade mental health screenings annually. This new law won’t go into effect until the 2027-28 school year.

Governor Pritzker signed the legislation into law July 31st

The goal is detect issues with students whether at school or off campus early to provide help and to make sure students know they aren't alone. Early awareness should ultimately prevent situations from going unnoticed that may become larger problems for more than just the individual student.

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Other states will be watching, and probably asking questions about efficiency, costs and big picture results, which may be difficult to point to early on. The metrics will be visible over the years if successful with a downturn in negative issues and incidents at schools (and in public). Stay tuned.