S.1895 - Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1895, the Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act, aims to increase the recruitment and retention of school-based mental health service providers. It establishes a program where the Secretary of Education partners with eligible graduate institutions to cover a portion of students' attendance costs, matched by equivalent contributions. This initiative seeks to address the growing need for mental health support in schools by incentivizing students to pursue careers in related fields.
Expected Effects
The Act would likely increase the number of qualified mental health professionals working in schools. This could lead to improved mental health services for students, earlier identification of mental health issues, and a more supportive school environment. The program also includes reporting and evaluation requirements to assess its effectiveness and make necessary improvements.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to mental health services for students.
- Enhanced support for vulnerable student populations.
- Improved early identification and intervention for mental health issues.
- Potential reduction in stigma associated with mental health.
- Strengthened collaboration between educational institutions and mental health professionals.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden on educational institutions.
- Risk of inefficient allocation of resources if the program is not managed effectively.
- Possible limitations in the scope of eligible mental health fields.
- Dependence on continued funding and appropriations.
- Could create a disparity between schools with and without access to the program.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote the well-being of students by addressing their mental health needs. While education is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the federal government's role in supporting education has been established through various legislative actions. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).