The bill aims to enhance youth mental health and well-being in Washington schools by increasing the availability of school social workers and improving their integration into the educational system. It recognizes the alarming rates of school refusal and mental health issues among students, highlighting the need for more school social workers to meet the national recommended ratio of one social worker for every 250 students, as Washington currently has one for every 3,798 students. The legislation intends to facilitate workforce development and collaboration with community organizations and universities to increase student access to these essential mental health resources.

Key amendments to existing laws include redefining the role of school social workers to emphasize their importance in providing mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and support for individualized education programs. The bill also establishes new sections that allow educational service districts to coordinate with local mental health agencies and universities to facilitate in-school placements for social worker associates and graduate students. Additionally, it mandates that responsibilities such as data tracking be handled by nonlicensed staff to ensure that school counselors, social workers, and psychologists can focus on direct student support.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.410.044, 28A.320.280, 28A.310.235
Substitute Bill: 28A.410.044, 28A.320.280, 28A.310.235