This bill mandates the Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Departments of Human Services and Children and Families, to create and distribute guidelines aimed at enhancing mental health services for students across school districts. The guidelines will be informed by the New Jersey Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health Resource Guide published in February 2022 and will be subject to annual review and updates. Input from school district administrators, educators, mental health professionals, and other stakeholders will be sought during the development and updating process.

The guidelines will cover various aspects of mental health service provision, including the implementation of a multi-tiered system of care, partnerships with community mental health providers, culturally sensitive services, support for English language learners, and the integration of technology in service delivery. Additionally, the DOE is required to post these guidelines and relevant professional development resources on its website, as well as provide information about the Division of Children's System of Care, including contact details for its access line. The act is set to take effect immediately and will apply to the first full school year following its enactment.