Florida lawmakers are set to boost funding for school-based mental health services for the third year in a row, an effort to stem a rising youth suicide rate and identify potentially violent students.
The money has helped South Florida schools hire more school counselors, psychologists and therapists. Despite the investment, districts have a long way to go until they meet the recommended staffing ratios.
Senate and House budget proposals devote $100 million to school mental health, up from $75 million. State legislators created the fund in 2018 in response to the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 17 students and staff.
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