New funds earmarked for school-based mental health services

School districts and county offices of education need to get involved now if they want to participate in planning for new mental health funds generated by the Mental Health Services Act, a voter-approved initiative to pay for prevention and early intervention services.

District and COE representatives can contact their respective county mental health departments, which will allocate the bulk of new money. The state is also conducting 11 regional training forums to explain the complex legislation and help counties, COEs and districts collaborate effectively to focus money where it’s needed most.

Related link:

Visit the state Mental Health Services Act Web site @ www.dmh.cahwnet.gov/MHSOAC/default.asp