AUGUSTA - Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, introduced legislation on Tuesday before the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee that would help Maine address its youth mental health crisis.
LD 829, following an amendment offered by Rep. Crafts at the public hearing, would take three important steps towards improving behavioral health support in public schools.
First, this bill would establish a pilot program within the University of Southern Maine in partnership with the 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 that are engaging in challenging and disruptive behaviors in the school environment.
Second, this bill would improve the student-to-school counselor ratio in K-8 public schools to 250:1 from the current 350:1 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, this bill would establish a student-to-social worker ratio of 250:1 and a student-to-psychologist ratio of 500:1 for the purpose of state school funding.
"There is no more direct way to connect children with mental and behavioral health support than offering access in the public school setting," said Crafts, a licensed social worker. "Reducing barriers to support is critical amidst the current mental health crisis. This bill provides guidance for schools to ensure theyre helping students access their full potential."
"Today's school children are experiencing record levels of depression and anxiety alongside multiple forms of trauma. School counselors and social workers are a crucial part of the solution to this crisis," said Michael Kebede, policy council with the ACLU of Maine, in support of the bill.
The Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee will hold a work session on this bill 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