§7101 General Provisions

Summary

Schools and other groups that get money under this program must get a parent’s written, informed permission before any mental-health screening or service is given to a child under 18. Before asking for that permission, the school must give the parent a written notice that explains what the service is for, who will provide it, when it will start, and how long it might last. Signing permission does not remove parents’ student privacy protections under federal law. Permission is not needed in an emergency to protect immediate health or safety, or when the school tried to get permission but reasonably could not, for example if a parent did not reply to the notice or the child is an unaccompanied youth age 14 or older. Program funds cannot pay for general medical care or drug treatment/rehab, except when used for integrated student supports, special instructional supports, or to refer affected students (including victims or witnesses of crime or students who illegally use drugs) to treatment. No child may be forced to get a prescription for a controlled substance as a condition of getting related services or of attending a school that receives these funds.