The bill establishes a new framework for the reporting and evaluation of student mental health outcomes in Florida by creating a new section, 394.4575, which mandates the Department of Children and Families to submit an annual evaluation of mental health services provided to students by December 1 each year. This evaluation will assess treatment outcomes and effectiveness, incorporating data from school district coordinators. Additionally, the department is tasked with developing a survey tool for students utilizing mental health services to gather feedback on their experiences, which will also be included in the annual evaluation.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing statutes to improve coordination between school districts and the Department of Children and Families regarding mental health services. It requires school districts to report specific referrals and mental health program information directly to the Department of Children and Families, rather than the Department of Education. The role of mental health coordinators in school districts is revised to make them the primary contact for the Department of Children and Families, facilitating the implementation of mental health policies and reporting. The bill also introduces mobile response teams and mandates the creation of threat management teams in each school, which will include certified professionals responsible for assessing and intervening with potentially threatening student behavior. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 969 Filed: 1001.212, 1006.041, 1012.584