Sponsors (3)
The bill increases access to school-based social work and mental-health supports—backed by predictable federal grants, training, and evidence-building—while raising federal costs and imposing qualification, competitive-award, and compliance requirements that may leave some districts behind or constrain local flexibility.
Students in K–12, especially in high-need LEAs, gain greater access to school-based social workers and school-based mental-health supports (including crisis intervention and help with homelessness), improving students' mental health and safety.
High-need schools receive predictable federal grant funding (authorized ~$100M/year FY2026–2030) that helps LEAs retain and expand social work staffing, enabling multi-year planning and continuity of services.
High-need LEAs can reach targeted staffing levels (e.g., a 1:50 social-worker ratio in schools serving majority higher-risk students), increasing intensive supports for the most vulnerable students.
Taxpayers face increased federal spending to fund grants and the Center, which could require offsets or add to deficits if not paid for.
Strict qualification requirements (graduate degree from CSWE‑accredited programs) could limit the available pool of school social workers and slow hiring, especially in areas with workforce shortages.
Competitive, limited grant awards targeted to 'high-need' LEAs mean some needy schools may not receive funding, leaving gaps in services for students who don't win grants.
Based on analysis of 6 sections of legislative text.
Introduced March 4, 2026 by Gwendolynne S. Moore · Last progress March 4, 2026
Creates a federal competitive grant program to help high‑need local educational agencies hire and retain graduate‑level school social workers and reach staffing ratios recommended by professional associations (generally 1 social worker per 250 students and 1 per 50 students in higher‑risk schools). Grants may cover retention, new hires, limited contractor use, and related costs for up to four years and must supplement existing funding. The bill authorizes $100 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2030. Establishes a national evaluation, dissemination, and technical assistance center in the Department of Education to collect data, document best practices, provide training and technical assistance, support workforce strategies, and study program costs and effectiveness. The measure defines required qualifications for school social workers and sets program reporting and renewal rules for grant recipients.