Starting Fall 2024, Illinois will implement the Wellness Checks in Schools Program Act, mandating annual mental health screenings for its 2 million school students. This initiative, overseen by the Illinois State Board of Education, aims to identify and assist students with mental health issues before they escalate. The recent increase in behavioral incidents and school violence underscores the urgency of this program. School administrators across the state have been highlighting the growing challenges faced by schools in managing students’ mental health which was made more difficult by the COVID pandemic.
“The rise of behavioral and mental health issues coming out of the pandemic has been astounding. We need to follow up with our young people, listen to their needs, and be there for them while they work through their problems” commented Rep. Sanalitro.
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_955a22ee-b199-11ee-b2ca-7bd3a8dbef51.html: Illinois Implements Yearly Mental Health Screenings for Students