Sponsors (22)
The bill expands equitable access to evidence‑based trauma and mental health supports in schools and builds implementation evidence, but does so with modest federal spending, time‑limited grants, and administrative requirements that may reduce direct service dollars and strain smaller districts.
Students in participating districts will gain increased access to evidence-based trauma supports and school-based mental health services through grants that connect schools with community providers.
Teachers, school leaders, and school staff will receive funded professional development to better recognize and respond to trauma, improving classroom safety and learning environments.
Grants will strengthen school–community partnerships (including with the Indian Health Service and tribal agencies), improving coordinated referrals and continuity of care for children and families.
The program is federally funded at an authorized $50 million per year (2027–2031), increasing federal spending and representing a cost to taxpayers.
Grant awards are time‑limited (five years), which may make it difficult to sustain services long‑term and could lead to service disruptions when funding ends without follow‑on support.
Extensive application, partnership, licensing, and reporting requirements could burden smaller districts and community providers, limiting their ability to apply or participate.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes grants to connect schools and education agencies with community and IHS trauma‑informed mental health systems and funds evidence‑based training and models.
Official title: To amend the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act to improve trauma support services and mental health care for children and youth in educational settings, and for other purposes.
Introduced February 11, 2026 by Jahana Hayes · Last progress February 11, 2026
Authorizes a competitive grant program to expand trauma‑informed and school mental health supports by connecting schools, local and tribal education agencies, and Indian Health Service systems with community trauma and mental health providers. Grants may fund professional development, school‑community collaboration, trauma‑informed models (like PBIS), and other evidence‑based activities; awards are limited to five years and small portions of each year’s funds are reserved for evaluation and technical assistance.