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HB 1574

School based family mental health pilot program.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lori Goss-Reaves

HB 1574 creates a school-based pilot program to integrate family mental health services into Indiana schools, expanding student and family access to mental health support.

First reading: referred to Committee on Public Health
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Bill Summary · HB 1574

Legislative bill overview

HB 1574 establishes a pilot program that integrates family mental health services into Indiana schools. The bill authorizes schools to provide or coordinate mental health support for students and their families, creating a school-based hub for mental health resources and treatment. This represents an expansion of school roles beyond traditional education into preventive and clinical mental health services.

Why is this important

Mental health challenges among students have increased significantly, and many families lack access to affordable mental health care. School-based programs can reach students during developmental years and reduce barriers to treatment by delivering services where children already spend substantial time. This pilot could establish a model for identifying mental health issues earlier and connecting families to resources they might otherwise miss.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: Unclear whether schools will receive adequate state funding or must absorb costs through existing budgets, potentially diverting resources from academic programs
  • Scope and liability: Questions about what mental health services schools can legally provide, credentialing requirements for providers, and liability if services fall short of expectations
  • Privacy and parental rights: Concerns about data collection, parental notification requirements, and whether families have full control over their children's participation in mental health treatment
  • Implementation variability: Pilot programs across multiple schools may face inconsistent implementation, making it difficult to evaluate effectiveness

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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