H.R. 7798: School Social Workers Improving Student Success Act

This bill, titled the School Social Workers Improving Student Success Act, aims to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Its main focus is to provide grants to assist states and local educational agencies in hiring and retaining school social workers, thereby expanding access to mental health and other support services for students in elementary and secondary schools.

Key Provisions

• Purpose: The bill's purpose is to help educational institutions achieve recommended ratios of school social workers, which are 1 social worker for every 250 students, and 1 for every 50 students for those with intensive needs.
• Grant Authorization: The Secretary of Education is authorized to award grants to high-need local educational agencies to hire or retain school social workers, with funding available for periods of up to four years.
• Eligibility: Local educational agencies must apply for grants and demonstrate how they will utilize the funding to maintain the recommended social worker ratios and provide necessary services.
• Usage of Funds: Grant funds can be used for hiring, retaining, or contracting school social workers, ensuring that these professionals provide targeted services to high-need students. Agencies may also use funds to cover related expenses like travel for home visits or other school-related activities.
• Responsibilities of School Social Workers: School social workers funded through the grants are required to provide various services, including:
  • Identifying and supporting high-need students.
  • Offering counseling and crisis intervention.
  • Implementing trauma-informed care and evidence-based strategies.
  • Facilitating student engagement and addressing social changes.
  • Collaborating with families and the community to overcome barriers to education.
• Technical Assistance: The bill requires the Secretary of Education to provide support and guidance to local agencies applying for these grants, helping them navigate the process and requirements.
• Funding: The legislation proposes an appropriated budget of $100 million each fiscal year from 2026 to 2030 to support these initiatives.
• National Technical Assistance Center: A center will be established to provide ongoing support and best practices in hiring and retaining school social workers, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of these services.

Expected Outcomes

The ultimate goal of this legislation is to improve student success rates by ensuring that educational agencies have adequate resources to provide mental health services and support through professional social workers. This approach aims to address the growing need for mental health services in schools, particularly in underserved communities.

Relevant Companies

None found