Legislation
AB-2246: Pupil Suicide Prevention Policies for Grades 7-12
School districts and local educational agencies (LEAs) serving grades 7-12 must implement suicide prevention policies that specifically address high-risk student populations. These policies were required to be in place by the 2017-18 school year and continue to ensure that schools take proactive measures to prevent suicide.
AB-1767: Extension of Suicide Prevention Policies to Grades K-6
With the passage of AB-1767, the requirements for suicide prevention policies were extended to cover grades K-6. This bill ensures that even younger students are supported through suicide prevention strategies, addressing mental health needs from the earliest school years.
SB-1318: Pupil Health: Suicide Prevention Policies (Pupil Suicide Crisis)
This bill sets a target for July 2026, by which the California Department of Education will update the model policy to guide LEAs in these changes. LEAs are required to review and update their suicide prevention policies every five years.
Crisis Response: Prioritize school mental health professionals; if unavailable, use trained staff or community resources.
Student Notification: Inform students if parents/guardians are notified of a crisis.
Policy Review: During the update of policies, discussing funding for mental health professionals every five years
SB-14: Pupil Health: Mental Health Training and Excused Absences
This bill allows absences for mental and behavioral health to be recognized under illness verification regulations. Schools must accommodate absences taken for mental health reasons, further normalizing mental health care in school attendance policies.
AB-309: Pupil Mental Health Referral Protocols
Under AB-309, the California Department of Education (CDE) is required to develop model referral protocols for addressing student mental health concerns. These protocols are designed to guide schools in referring students to appropriate mental health services and will be available on the CDE website.
Resources
Wellspace Resources
Building a Comprehensive School Mental Health Program Training Series
Training Opportunities
The ACEs Campaign (CA Surgeon General)
The Thriving Kids Project (Child Mind Institute)
Soluna Application
BrightLife Kids Application
Safe Spaces learning modules (CA Surgeon General)
L.A. Trust for Children’s Health: Data xchange
