Senator Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford championed a new law regarding how schools deal with trauma response and mental health that was signed into law on Thursday. House Bill 342 is included in the Whole Child Task Force which establishes a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for students dealing with trauma and mental health. 

This task force collects data on adverse childhood experiences and trauma. It also notes the total number of school counselors, social workers, nurses, and psychologists. 

House Bill 342 puts recommendations in place to improve schools in Illinois by ensuring that all schools are equipped with training and resources to meet the multitude of trauma and mental health needs of their students. 

Lightfoot states that it is very important every school is equipped to meet the diverse needs of all students.  School officials need to be ready to identify warning signs of mental illness, trauma, and suicidal behavior in youth. 

House Bill 342 was signed into law Thursday.