H.R. 7497: Supporting Trauma-Informed Education Practices Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Supporting Trauma-Informed Education Practices Act of 2026, aims to enhance trauma support services and mental health care for children and youth within educational settings. The key components of the bill are as follows:

Grants Authorization

The Secretary of Education, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, is authorized to provide grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements to eligible entities. The purpose is to improve access to trauma-informed and mental health services for students, teachers, and school personnel. These grants will fund innovative initiatives that connect schools with community resources for trauma support and mental health.

Use of Funds

Funds received through grants must be used for various evidence-based initiatives, including:

• Collaboration: Enhancing cooperation between schools and local or tribal educational agencies and community mental health services.
• Trauma-Informed Support: Implementing models such as positive behavioral interventions to support students.
• Professional Development: Training educators on creating supportive environments, identifying trauma, and effectively referring students to needed services.
• Community Engagement: Involving families and communities in understanding and addressing child trauma.
• Evaluations: Assessing the effectiveness of implemented programs and services.

Application Process

To qualify for a grant, entities must submit applications that detail their proposed initiatives, describe how they will serve diverse needs, and show collaboration with various community agencies. The applications must assure that all participants are licensed and that feedback from various stakeholders—including teachers and parents—is incorporated into the planning and implementation processes.

Interagency Agreements

Recipients of grants will be required to establish interagency agreements with relevant agencies to clarify responsibilities regarding service provision and funding. This ensures that all parties involved coordinate effectively to deliver trauma support services.

Evaluation and Oversight

The Secretary will conduct independent evaluations of the programs funded under this bill to disseminate best practices for trauma support and mental health services in educational settings.

Equitable Distribution of Funds

The bill mandates that funding be distributed fairly across different geographical areas and populations, including urban, rural, and tribal communities.

Funding Authorization

To support the measures outlined in the bill, $50,000,000 is authorized for each fiscal year from 2027 to 2031.

Definitions

The bill provides specific definitions for terms used throughout, such as "eligible entity," which includes state educational agencies, local educational agencies, Indian Tribes, and others involved in education and support services.

Rule of Construction

The legislation clarifies that it does not prevent the reporting of crimes or the responsibilities of law enforcement regarding criminal activities involving students.

Supplemental Funding

Federal funds provided through this bill are intended to supplement, rather than replace, existing funding sources for trauma support services and mental health initiatives.

Relevant Companies

None found