Turning Point USA

Illinois is set to implement a statewide program requiring annual mental health screenings for its two million students. The Wellness Checks in Schools Program Act, slated to take effect later this year, aims to address the rising concerns related to students’ behavioral incidents, including increased fights and disruptive behavior.

According to The Center Square, Mark Klaisner, the executive director of West 40 in West Cook County (an intermediate services center funded by the state), emphasized the need for schools to adopt a well-defined screening model administered by trained personnel. The Illinois State Board of Education is currently deliberating on the implementation details of this mental health screening initiative, which will be rolled out across schools in the state.

“If you were to walk into any school and talk to the principal or the dean, they will tell you that behavioral incidents are way up from what they were 3 to 5 years ago,” Klaisner said. “It’s fights in the hallways. It’s kids acting out.”

According to Klaisner, the screening process is envisioned as a 15-minute, one-on-one conversation between students and qualified social workers. The objective is to identify signs of troubled behavior, such as anxiety and depression, during these sessions. By intervening early and identifying students facing mental health challenges, the program aims to prevent the escalation of mental health issues among the student population.

Another factor in the decision to implement mental health screenings for students is the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The rise of behavioral and mental health issues coming out of the pandemic has been astounding,” Klasiner said.

This decision by Illinois may appear to be a good decision that can be a benefit for young students. But in a time where the legitimacy and neutrality of psychologists and social workers is in question, it is unclear whether or not this will be a viable solution to the ongoing mental health crisis sweeping our country.