| Mental disorders have become all too common among children. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that nearly one in five children from the ages 13 to 18 currently have and/or previously had a seriously debilitating mental disorder. In 2017, the New York State Council of School Superintendents released a financial survey in which an overwhelming number of their districts scored the increasing mental health needs of youth as an alarming top priority.
Schools are often the first place mental health concerns are recognized and addressed . Assemblymember Felix W. Ortiz and Senator Jesse Hamilton have introduced twin bills in the Assembly (A.9533-A) and Senate (S.7526-A) that would require public school districts to employ and provide access to at least one licensed or certified school social worker in each of the schools under their jurisdiction. By ensuring access to a school social worker to assist with students’ social emotional needs, our state is taking an important step toward enhancing overall school safety for students, and securing better academic outcomes. Your voice is critical to building the strong support needed to pass this bill.
Action Steps Needed
Contact Your Legislators
Your Script Hello, my name is ____________, I am a constituent from (City), (Zip Code). I am asking you to support and vote in favor of Assembly bill A.95330A/Senate bill S.7526-A that would require public school districts to employ and provide access to at least one licensed or certified school social worker in each of the schools under their jurisdiction. Schools are often the first place mental health concerns are recognized and addressed. This legislation is a strong step toward enhancing overall school safety for students, and securing better learning outcomes. Thank you for your time.
Spread the message on social media! #SW4SAFESCHOOLS
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Author: Amelia Lochner Malavé
NASW-NYS