The bill establishes the School-Based Partnerships for Access and Resilience for Kids (SPARK) program within the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to enhance mental health support for students in New Jersey. It mandates that school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects develop comprehensive mental health support programs in accordance with guidelines set by the Commissioner of Education. These programs aim to connect students identified as needing ongoing mental health care or having high-acuity behavioral health needs with the SPARK program navigator, who will facilitate access to community-based mental health services. The SPARK program will provide various services, including same-day psychiatric consultations, referrals to outpatient providers, and support for school re-entry after mental health crises.

Additionally, the bill requires that no student be connected to the SPARK program without written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Each educational institution must have designated staff or formal arrangements with mental health providers to ensure adequate support. The bill also includes provisions for the development of a mobile mental health application to provide resources for students and families. To ensure accountability, schools must report annually on the utilization of SPARK services, and the DCF will create a public data platform to share this information. The bill appropriates $44 million to fund the SPARK program and outlines a timeline for implementation and reporting requirements.