LOS ANGELES COUNTY – The Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Janice Hahn to create a countywide plan for the provision of school-based mental health services through the Department of Mental Health.
“There are 80 school districts in Los Angeles County and it is important for us to look at this as a countywide effort, as the issue impacts all of our schools,” said Supervisor Barger. “I have met with local schools in my district and they agree there is a critical need for mental health programs and services to support our students.”
The motion by Supervisors Barger and Hahn came as an amendment to a motion by Supervisors Ridley-Thomas and Solis, which sought to provide Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) with funding to enhance health and mental health services provided to students, staff, and others within LAUSD specifically.
The motion directs the Department of Mental Health to work with the Los Angeles County Office of Education, the Auditor-Controller, and the Chief Executive Office to develop a countywide plan to provide school-based mental health services including but not limited to prevention and early intervention services, education, support, and outreach. This plan will include the identification of resources, timeline for implementation, and any other relevant information with a comprehensive report back to the board in 45 days.