A Heart Like Mine Act
Protecting the Rights of Children with Special Needs & Mental Health
Created by: Amanda Norman, Parent & Advocate

 
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” – Proverbs 31:8 (NLT)

This mission is bigger than me. It’s God’s calling — to stand in the gap for children who cannot always speak for themselves, and to bring light, love, and justice into the spaces where pain and misunderstanding have lived for too long.

 
The Mission
I’m calling on our Georgia legislators — and leaders across the country — to help me create and pass The A Heart Like Mine Act, a law to protect children with special needs and mental health challenges and give families, schools, and communities the support they desperately need.

This isn’t just about protecting children like my son — it’s about helping everyone who works with them: educators, DFCS workers, law enforcement, and our judicial system. Every day, they’re left without enough resources, training, or support to truly help these kids succeed.

Our children deserve better.
Our teachers and caseworkers deserve help.
Our system needs reform.

 
Why I’m Fighting for This Act
Through my son Kayson’s story, I’ve witnessed the heartbreaking reality of how hard it is to get services in place for kids who need them. Mental health in children is rarely taken seriously until adulthood — and by then, it’s too late.

Children with special needs are often punished or labeled instead of supported and understood. Parents are exhausted and overwhelmed. Teachers go home at night heartbroken. Caseworkers feel helpless.

We can’t keep waiting for tragedy or failure before we act.

 
What the A Heart Like Mine Act Will Do
The A Heart Like Mine Act will:

• Expand access to school-based and community mental health services for children and families.
• Train and support educators, law enforcement, and DFCS workers to identify and respond to mental health and special needs early and appropriately.
• Require schools and agencies to provide early interventions and accommodations that build success instead of punishment.
• Create partnerships between education, mental health, and the justice system to ensure no child falls through the cracks.
• Provide funding and accountability so every system involved in a child’s life can work together effectively.

 
Reasonable Action Steps

Here’s how we can make it happen:

1. Partner every school district with licensed mental health professionals for on-site support.
2. Form a Child Support Coordination Task Force to connect schools, DFCS, courts, and law enforcement.
3. Develop diversion programs to keep children with special needs and mental health struggles out of the criminal system.
4. Provide family and caregiver education programs so parents can better advocate for their kids.
5. Create a state grant fund to support pilot programs and innovation in schools and communities.

 
Why Your Signature Matters
I can’t do this alone — but together, we can be the voice for children who can’t always speak for themselves.

When you sign this petition, you’re standing up for:

• The child who’s misunderstood in class.
• The teacher who wishes she could do more.
• The parent fighting day and night for help.
• The caseworker or officer who sees potential but has no resources.

You’re standing up for A Heart Like Mine.

 
What’s Next
Your signature will help me show state legislators that this issue matters to families and professionals all across Georgia — and beyond. I’ll be meeting with senators and representatives to ask for their help writing and sponsoring the A Heart Like Mine Act into law.

Every signature makes our voices louder. Every share brings us one step closer to change.

Please sign and share this petition to help protect children with special needs and mental health challenges — and to give our schools, our courts, and our communities the tools to truly make a difference.

Together, we can stop the cycle before it’s too late.
Together, we can change lives.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

❤️ Sign now to support the A Heart Like Mine Act.