The bill aims to improve youth mental health and well-being in Washington by increasing the number of school social workers and enhancing their training and integration within the educational system. It addresses the concerning statistics related to school refusal and mental health issues among students, highlighting the state's low ratio of school social workers to students compared to national recommendations. Key amendments include redefining the role of school social workers to focus on mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and support for individualized education programs. The bill also establishes provisions for educational service districts to collaborate with local mental health agencies and universities for in-school placements of social work candidates, while ensuring that nonlicensed staff handle data tracking responsibilities to allow licensed professionals to concentrate on direct student support.

Additionally, the legislation introduces new staffing requirements and funding allocations for schools, mandating that qualifying institutions receive specific staffing units based on student population. The superintendent is responsible for allocating funding in proportion to the actual ratios of support staff to students, prioritizing the hiring of staff with valid educational certifications. The bill outlines minimum staffing allocations for various support services, specifies funding for materials and operating costs adjusted for inflation, and includes provisions for supplemental instruction for students not meeting academic standards. It emphasizes the importance of data collection on fund utilization to enhance educational outcomes, particularly in high-poverty areas and for highly capable students.

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