What Illinois Parents Need to Know About New Student Mental Health Screenings

Starting in the 2026–27 school year, Illinois students will take part in a new type of school screening, this time for their mental health.

Thanks to a newly signed law by Governor J.B. Pritzker, Illinois becomes the first state in the country to require annual mental health screenings for public school students in grades 3 through 12.

Why This New Law Was Passed

Gov. Pritzker signed the bill at Chute Middle School in Evanston, emphasizing the growing mental health struggles among children and teens, saying,

It’s our responsibility to ensure that our young people have all the help that they need to get the help that they deserve.

The goal? Identify issues like anxiety or depression early, and connect families to support.

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What the Screenings Will Look Like

The Illinois State Board of Education will oversee the development of age-appropriate, confidential screenings that schools must offer each year. Schools will also connect families to the BEACON Portal, which helps locate psychiatric care nearby.

Can Parents Opt Out?

Yes, participation is not mandatory. Parents who don’t want their children to take part in the screenings can opt out. Mental health advocates hope the screenings reduce stigma and make seeking help more normalized, but the law still respects individual family preferences.

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Looking Ahead

This change gives parents another tool to support their child’s overall well-being right alongside the traditional physical and vision exams already required for school.

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