FRANKFORT – State Rep. Will Coursey’s effort to increase the number of mental-health professionals in Kentucky’s schools took a step closer to becoming law this morning when the Kentucky House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly for his House Bill 604.
“In the days after that January 23rd tragedy at Marshall County High School, I began meeting with mental health professionals, law enforcement, educators, and others to see what steps they might recommend,” Rep. Coursey said. “I wanted to hear what they had to say about making our schools a more open and safer place. One of the things they told me is that our guidance counselors are often overwhelmed trying to address their students’ academic needs. They just don’t have the time to offer the support and expertise that many students require beyond their studies. That’s where House Bill 604 comes in.”
The legislation calls on school districts to have one mental-health professional on staff for every 1,500 students. They would not only address student needs but help teachers and administrators be better trained as well at spotting and responding to students in their care.
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PHOTO CREDIT: LRC Public Information.
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