SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Thursday to make Illinois one of the first states to provide universal mental health screenings for young children and teens. Sponsors said this law is the next piece of the puzzle to get kids and their families the support they urgently need.
Senate Bill 1560 requires public schools to offer age-appropriate confidential mental health screenings to identify mental health concerns and link students to support. Students in grades three through 12 will participate in screenings once per school year.
"For a younger person, like in third or fourth grade, it could even exist on a tablet," said Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago). "The young student answers a series of questions, maybe even with graphics, that say I am feeling happy, I am feeling safe, or I am feeling worried."
Parents and guardians will have the ability to opt out of screenings if they do not want their children to participate. Sponsors said Illinois must protect student privacy and ensure schools have the tools they need for early intervention services.
"Our goal is an integrated, comprehensive approach to quality mental health and behavioral health services for young people across the state," Pritzker said.
House GOP members said they appreciate the intent of the plan, but some argue the devil is in the details. They also believe the law should allow families to opt into mental health screenings rather than having an opt-out process.
"These screenings are geared toward identifying potential issues based upon answers given to specific questions. It's only fair to ask what are the areas of concern to be addressed," said Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock). "We're not able to be given the answers here. We don't know."
The legislation passed out of the House on a 72-36 vote, but it gained unanimous support in the Senate.
The Illinois State Board of Education will be required to provide resources for schools to offer universal mental health screenings by Sept. 1, 2026. Districts will start offering the screenings during the 2027-2028 school year.
"We are taking steps to break silos between state agencies that serve youth and truly transforming the way behavioral health services are provided to Illinois kids and families," said Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). "The next phase, moving toward universal mental health access, begins with identifying where the greatest needs lie and ensuring families and providers can swiftly access comprehensive programs and supports."
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