DeSantis Signs Bill Requiring Schools to Have Mental Health Coordinator: “Supporting the Whole family”
May 19, 2022 Updated 11:03 A.M. ET
TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis Signed a bill (H.B. 899) Wednesday that would require each Florida school district to have a mental health coordinator.
The coordinator will implement student mental health policies, procedures, responsibilities and reporting. This includes coordinating with the school safety specialist on mental health assistance training and resources for students and school staff.
State Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, D-Parkland, sponsored the legislation.
“This is the one person that is making sure that students don’t fall through the cracks,” Hunschofsky told Florida’s Voice.
Family members of children receiving behavioral health services at school will also be made aware of additional resources available to them at the school and in the community.
“It’s important when children are getting services, that we’re also supporting the whole family, and making sure that they’re aware of what resources and support is available to them,” Hunschofsky said. “So I think that’s really important.”
The Florida Senate and Florida House unanimously passed the legislation.
