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AB-2525 Student mental health framework.(2019-2020)

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Date Published: 04/27/2020 09:00 PM
AB2525:v98#DOCUMENT

Amended  IN  Assembly  May 04, 2020

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2019–2020 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Bill
No. 2525

Introduced by Assembly Member Carrillo

February 19, 2020

An act to amend Section 4405 of add Section 5845.7 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to developmental services. mental health.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


AB 2525, as amended, Carrillo. Director of Developmental Services. Student mental health framework.
Existing law establishes the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission which, among other duties, is authorized to establish a framework and voluntary standard for mental health in the workplace that serves to reduce mental health stigma, increase awareness of mental health issues, and provide employer guidance, as specified.
This bill would require the commission, in coordination with the State Department of Education, the State Department of Health Care Services, local educational agencies, county departments of mental health or behavioral health, local public safety agencies, and other relevant state, local, and community-based entities, to develop a framework, as specified, to support the development and deployment of effective strategies that address the root causes of student mental health needs, that produce positive school and mental health outcomes, and that support healthy and safe learning environments.

Existing law establishes the State Department of Developmental Services and sets forth its powers and duties, including, but not limited to, the administration of state developmental centers and the administration and oversight of community programs providing services to consumers with developmental disabilities and their families. Existing law requires the Governor, with the consent of the Senate, to appoint the Director of Developmental Services to be the head of the department.

This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes to that provision.

Vote: MAJORITY   Appropriation: NO   Fiscal Committee: NOYES   Local Program: NO  

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:


SECTION 1.

 The Legislature finds and declares the following:
(a) Approximately one in five youth in the United States have a mental health need, yet the vast majority will not receive the care, services, and supports they need.
(b) Exposure to trauma and chronic stress can derail healthy development and appropriate learning.
(c) Students who face unmet mental health needs are more likely to disengage from learning, miss school, be disruptive in school, and face disciplinary responses.
(d) Unmet mental health needs are associated with failure to graduate from high school and failure to progress to higher education.
(e) Youth who experience serious and persistent mental health needs without appropriate services and support are at increased risk of homelessness, unemployment, and criminal justice involvement later in life.
(f) Self-harm and suicidal thoughts and attempts also are associated with unmet mental health needs.
(g) Students at highest risk for self-harm and suicide include LGBTQ students, foster youth, and students of color, particularly Native American students.
(h) Research indicates that toxic stress, generally thought of as frequent and persistent biological responses to adversity, can influence brain development and increase the risk of mental illness and associated challenges during childhood and later in life.
(i) Bullying and other threats to the safety of students in the school environment undermine opportunities to support educational and well-being outcomes.
(j) Mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention can reduce risks, support the healthy development and well-being of children and youth, and support overall mental health.
(k) Schools often are a trusted resource for students and their families who need services and supports.
(l) Research indicates that positive school culture, high levels of student engagement and support, and students feelings of belonging can reduce school bullying, discipline, and the potential for school violence.
(m) A number of California counties, including Los Angeles, Glenn, Orange, and others, have developed collaborative strategies that bring together mental health, education, and public safety approaches to support safe and supportive school environments, effective mental health interventions, and educational goals.
(n) California has not developed consistent approaches to supporting school mental health and educational outcomes that are based on the root causes of challenges that affect educational outcomes, that are efficient and effective, culturally competent, and tailored to the diverse populations, geographies, and needs of our students and school environments.

SEC. 2.

 Section 5845.7 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:

5845.7.
 (a) On or before January 1, 2023, the commission, in coordination with the State Department of Education, the State Department of Health Care Services, local educational agencies, county departments of mental health or behavioral health, local public safety agencies, and other relevant state, local, and community-based entities, shall develop a framework to support the development and deployment of effective strategies that address the root causes of student mental health needs, that produce positive school and mental health outcomes, and that support healthy and safe learning environments.
(b) The framework required pursuant to subdivision (a) shall consider all of the following:
(1) Best available research and evidence on student mental health, school culture, environment, and safety, including issues associated with bullying, harassment, intimidation, and other issues deemed relevant by the commission.
(2) Opportunities to prioritize mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention in evidence-based and community-supported ways.
(3) Strategies to improve coordination, collaboration, and program or service integration among local agencies and community-based organizations to support student mental health, well-being, belonging, and educational outcomes.
(4) Strategies for the state to coordinate support for local strategies to address student mental health, school environment, and safety concerns. Those strategies may include technical assistance, research and data support, capacity building, ensuring an adequate workforce for the purposes of this work, and other areas of concern.
(5) Guidelines or proposals for sustainable funding to support the goals of the proposed framework.

SECTION 1.Section 4405 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:
4405.

(a)With the consent of the Senate, the Governor shall appoint, to serve at the Governor’s pleasure, the Director of Developmental Services. The director shall have the powers of a head of a department pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11150) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and shall receive the salary provided pursuant to Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 11550) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(b)Upon recommendation of the director, the Governor may appoint a chief deputy director of the department who shall hold office at the pleasure of the Governor. The salary of the chief deputy director shall be fixed in accordance with law.