The SBMH program provides competitive grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801(30)), local educational agencies (LEAs) (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801(49), and consortia of LEAs to increase the number of credentialed (as defined in this document) school-based mental health services providers (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7112(6)) providing mental health services to students in LEAs with demonstrated need (as defined in this document).
Like good physical health, positive mental health promotes success in life. As defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.”
The increases in mental health related needs, including those resulting from traumatic events such as the COVID–19 pandemic, community violence, adverse childhood experiences, and increasing number of instances of bullying and harassment, and the impact of social media, have brought on challenges for children and youth that impact their overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and their ability to fully engage in learning. The disruptions in routines, relationships, and the learning environment have led to increased stress and trauma, social isolation, depression and anxiety among students.
The priorities for the FY 2024 competition described in this notice are intended to increase the number of credentialed school-based mental health services providers by providing grant funds to increase recruitment and retention-related activities and incentives, particularly in LEAs and SEAs that have not yet benefited from an SBMH grant; promote the respecialization and professional retraining of existing mental health services providers so that they have the credentials needed to provide school-based mental health services in LEAs with demonstrated need; and increase the diversity, and cultural and linguistic competency, of school-based mental health services providers, including competency in providing culturally sustaining and asset-based services.
