Bill by Rep. Orwall strengthens efforts to aid troubled teens
A comprehensive plan to help troubled teens and reduce youth suicide won approval in the state Senate earlier this week as House Bill 1336 moved closer to final legislative passage.
“This bill is about making sure our educators have the tools they need to recognize warning signs and identify students with emotional issues so they can refer them for the help they need,” said Rep. Tina Orwall, D-Des Moines, the bill’s prime sponsor. “By having our schools partner with mental health providers, we can proactively help students because early intervention can prevent tragedies.”
House Bill 1336 requires certified school nurses, school social workers, and school counselors to complete training in youth suicide screening and referral as a condition of their certification, and requires school districts to:
- Adopt a plan for recognition, initial screening, and response to emotional or behavioral distress in students, including indicators of possible substance abuse, violence, and youth suicide.
- Develop a formal partnership with a local mental health center to improve access to screening and treatment services.
The Senate amended Orwall’s measure to include a legal liability clause and requiring that mental health first-aid training be provided to teachers and educational staff.
“Youth suicide and youth violence in our schools impact an entire community, and it’s important that school professionals be given the skills they need to help prevent these tragedies,” said Sen. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, who sponsored the companion bill, SB 5365. “This legislation takes a comprehensive approach to helping kids who are going through tough times or who have special emotional or mental health needs. It was a key part of the Senate’s bipartisan agenda to improve mental health care in our state.”
“This legislation takes significant strides toward reducing the potential for youth suicide,” said Mike Heinisch, executive director of Kent Youth and Family Services. “By outlining the training requirements for school personnel, addressing curriculum content, promoting partnerships with community-based agencies and calling on school districts to develop plans for responding to emotional or behavioral distress, this bill can save lives.”
Orwall authored another suicide prevention measure last year, which requires mental health professionals, social workers and occupational therapists to receive six hours of training every six years, as part of their continuing education requirement, starting in 2014.
“On average, two young people between the ages of 14-24 die by suicide in Washington state every week. These alarming numbers emphasize the need for early intervention and prevention efforts. My bill puts in place the system and skill levels to help at-risk youth before it’s too late,” said Orwall, who represents the 33rd Legislative District, which includes Normandy Park, Des Moines and parts of Kent, Burien, SeaTac and Renton.
HB 1336 is now in the House for consideration of the changes made in the Senate.