Legislators selected this age group because most mental health challenges occur during middle and high school, according to the news outlet.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will oversee the program, as well as select a provider to conduct the screenings. The program would refer students to additional resources after the screening if needed.
Students are not required to participate and parents can also opt their children out. However, students 12 years and older can consent to the screening regardless of parental consent or notification, which opponents of the bill take issue with.
“I’m not against mental health screening,” State Rep. Mary Bradfield told KKTV. “I think, though, that mom and dad need to know about it.”
Lawmakers in support of the bill believe it is important for students to have other trusted adults besides parents or legal guardians to confide in, according to the news outlet.
Opponents are also concerned with funding for the program, which could cost over half a million dollars this year, and a little over $17 million in fiscal year 2024-2025.
Legislators estimate 24 percent of schools, which equals 90,000 students, will participate in the program.
The bill was introduced in January and is up for further discussion in the state’s Committee on Appropriations.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.