LaPointe, Feigenholtz Secure Universal Mental Health Screenings for Grades 3-12 Students

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.– Committed to connecting young children and teens to mental health support before it becomes a crisis, state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, passed a bicameral measure with state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, which aligns Illinois to become one of the first states to guarantee universal mental health screenings for students in grades 3 through 12.

“No child should have to struggle in silence. This bill is a proactive way we can integrate early detection, because too often warning signs are missed or dismissed, and kids fall through the cracks,” said LaPointe. “I’m thrilled to work alongside Sen. Feigenholtz and the state’s Children’s Behavioral Health Officer to ensure public schools have the tools to connect students and families with real help, and intervene before it becomes too late.”

Senate Bill 1560 will require Illinois public schools to offer age-appropriate, confidential mental health screenings to proactively identify mental health concerns and link students with necessary support. Designed with families in mind, the bill includes a parental opt-out provision, protects student privacy, and offers public school districts free access to screening tools. The measure also promotes BEACON, a centralized resource which connects families with community-based providers and state-funded programs tailored to their specific needs — ensuring every child is seen, heard, and supported.

“We have made great strides in recent years toward transforming the way our state meets the needs of youth with behavioral and mental health challenges,” said Feigenholtz. “Senate Bill 1560 is the next piece of the puzzle to finally get kids and their families the support they urgently need.”

Senate Bill 1560 passed out of the House chamber Wednesday, and awaits a final signature from the governor for its passage into law. If signed, the law will go into effect at the start of the 2027-2028 public school year.

For more information, please contact Info@RepLaPointe.com or 773-647-1174.