Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed a law establishing free, annual mental health screenings in public schools to detect mental health concerns in youth, according to a July 31 news release.
Here are five things to know:
- Illinois is the first state to implement universal mental health screenings in public schools. The initiative aims to strengthen the connection between academic performance and mental well-being, enhance student readiness, and support long-term success.
- Starting in the 2027 to 2028 academic year, all Illinois school districts will be required to offer cost-free mental health screenings once a year for third through 12th-grade students.
- The Illinois State Board of Education will be required to implement model policies and guidance to public schools by Sept. 1, 2026.
- The state will also partner with psychiatric hospitals and schools to promote the Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation portal, which offers centralized resources to serve youth and families behavioral health needs.
- Students will conduct self-assessments of their mental well-being on a tablet or by form, according to Dana Weiner, chief officer for the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, according to a WTTW report.
