AUGUSTA - A majority of the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted for legislation from Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, that would help Maine address its youth mental health crisis.
As amended, LD 829 would take three important steps toward improving behavioral health support in public schools.
First, it would give the University of Southern Maine the ability to establish a pilot program in partnership with the Maine Department of Education to create a statewide group of public school staff engaged in behavior analytic skills training. Group members would receive research-based training and mentorship to better support youth engaging in challenging and disruptive behaviors in the school environment.
Second, it would improve the student-to-school counselor ratio in K-8 public schools to 250-to-1 from the current 350-to-1 for the purpose of state school funding. This funding ratio would be compatible with the ratio currently applied in Maine public high schools and is consistent with the recommendation of the American School Counselor Association.
Lastly, it would establish a student-to-social worker ratio of 250-to-1 and a student-to-psychologist ratio of 500-to-1 for the purpose of state school funding.
"Our educators are working tirelessly to ensure the development and emotional well-being of students, but they need more help," said Crafts, a licensed social worker. "Reducing barriers to support is critical to address the current mental health crisis. I want to thank the committee for supporting an increase in staffing and training for school counselors and social workers in public schools."
The bill faces votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Rep. Crafts is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents Bristol, Damariscotta, Newcastle, Nobleboro and Monhegan Plantation. She is a member of the Legislature's Marine Resources and Transportation Committees.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Crafts], c. 305-965-2744