House Bill 1030 from Representative Andrew Collins would change existing law are as follows:

1. School Resource Officers (SROs) and Law Enforcement Personnel:

• New Requirement for Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification:
  • The bill adds a requirement that school resource officers and law enforcement personnel assigned to public school campuses must obtain certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid within 18 months of being assigned or employed at a public school. 
  • The current law requires unspecified youth mental health training as required by the State Board of Education.
  • Certification Renewal: The bill mandates that SROs maintain and renew their Youth Mental Health First Aid certification every 4 years if they remain assigned to or employed by a school district. 

2. School Counselors:

• New Requirement for Youth Mental Health First Aid Training:
  • School counselors would be mandated to receive the training by September 2025 and repeat it every 4 years thereafter.
  • The training will focus on mental health risks in adolescents, early intervention, and how to assist adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis. 

What is Youth Mental Health First Aid?

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a training program designed to teach adults how to assist young people (ages 12–18) who are experiencing mental health challenges or crises. The training provides participants with skills to help identify signs of mental health issues in adolescents, and how to offer initial support and guide them to appropriate professional help.

Who Offers the Training?

The Youth Mental Health First Aid training is generally offered by certified organizations, and in the United States, Mental Health First Aid USA is the primary provider. This program is coordinated by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), a national non-profit organization focused on mental health education.

1. Mental Health First Aid USA:

   • This is the organization responsible for providing the Youth Mental Health First Aid curriculum. It offers both in-person and virtual courses for adults (teachers, school staff, parents, coaches, etc.) to help them support youth experiencing mental health issues.

2. Authorized Instructors:

   • Certified instructors, often mental health professionals or individuals with specific training in crisis intervention, are responsible for conducting the courses. These instructors are authorized through partnerships with Mental Health First Aid USA, or sometimes through state or local health agencies.

Where is the Training Offered?

• Training is available through schools, community organizations, and mental health agencies.
• Many states, school districts, and non-profits sponsor training programs for school personnel, parents, and other community members.

Certification:

• Participants who complete the training typically receive a Youth Mental Health First Aid certification, which is valid for 3 years. Afterward, they are encouraged to take a refresher course or retake the training to maintain their certification.