Youth Behavioral Health Policy Initiatives

School Social Worker Ratio

What it does: Requires schools to increase their school social worker to student ratio from 1:500 to 1:250

Why it matters: With more school social workers, more Rhode Island students will gain access to qualified behavioral health professionals every day in their school environment.

Integrated Mental Health Education for 7th Graders

What it does: Implements a mental health education requirement for all 7th graders

Why it matters: Children in middle school are at an ideal age to begin learning about mental health, and education at this age prepares them for their teenage years.

RI MomsPRN and PediPRN

What it does: Ensures funding for consultation and training for clinicians and other professionals caring for children and pregnant and postpartum women

Why it matters: Professionals such as physicians require a timely and effective way to consult behavioral health clinicians so that children and mothers get the best care possible.

988 Suicide Prevention & Crisis Line

What it does: Allocates surplus 911 funds for the 988 crisis line, ensuring sustainable funding for mental health crisis services.

Why it matters: 988 provides a lifeline for individuals in crisis, but it needs consistent funding to operate effectively.