Increase funding for mental health services in California schools
The Issue
After witnessing her teenage daughter's ongoing struggle with mental health issues and the limited resources available to her at school, Sarah Brown decided to take action. In California, where approximately 1 in 5 children ages 9 to 17 struggle with a diagnosable mental health disorder, many schools are unable to provide adequate support due to insufficient funding and resources. This not only impacts students like Sarah's daughter but also the overall school environment, as untreated mental health issues can lead to increased absenteeism, lower academic achievement, and behavioral problems.
With roughly 6 million K-12 students enrolled in California's public schools, it is vital that we prioritize mental health funding to address this growing crisis. Currently, California spends significantly less on mental health services within schools compared to other states, and as a result, many students lack access to necessary counseling, therapy, and support programs.
To address this critical issue, we propose a substantial increase in the state's mental health funding, targeted specifically towards expanding services in schools. This should include hiring more licensed mental health professionals, implementing comprehensive mental health education programs, and establishing robust support systems to ensure that all students can access the care they need.
The evidence is clear: schools that invest in mental health resources see improvements in student well-being, academic performance, and overall school climate. A report from the California Department of Education highlights how schools with robust mental health support experience a 20% decrease in absenteeism and a 27% improvement in academic outcomes.
By signing this petition, you are joining a community of advocates committed to ensuring that every student in California has the support they need to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Together, we can urge state legislators to recognize the urgent need for increased funding and prioritize mental health as an essential component of education. Your signature can help secure funding that will make a significant difference in the lives of countless children, providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed.
Sign this petition today and help us make a change for better mental health services in California schools.
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The Issue
After witnessing her teenage daughter's ongoing struggle with mental health issues and the limited resources available to her at school, Sarah Brown decided to take action. In California, where approximately 1 in 5 children ages 9 to 17 struggle with a diagnosable mental health disorder, many schools are unable to provide adequate support due to insufficient funding and resources. This not only impacts students like Sarah's daughter but also the overall school environment, as untreated mental health issues can lead to increased absenteeism, lower academic achievement, and behavioral problems.
With roughly 6 million K-12 students enrolled in California's public schools, it is vital that we prioritize mental health funding to address this growing crisis. Currently, California spends significantly less on mental health services within schools compared to other states, and as a result, many students lack access to necessary counseling, therapy, and support programs.
To address this critical issue, we propose a substantial increase in the state's mental health funding, targeted specifically towards expanding services in schools. This should include hiring more licensed mental health professionals, implementing comprehensive mental health education programs, and establishing robust support systems to ensure that all students can access the care they need.
The evidence is clear: schools that invest in mental health resources see improvements in student well-being, academic performance, and overall school climate. A report from the California Department of Education highlights how schools with robust mental health support experience a 20% decrease in absenteeism and a 27% improvement in academic outcomes.
By signing this petition, you are joining a community of advocates committed to ensuring that every student in California has the support they need to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Together, we can urge state legislators to recognize the urgent need for increased funding and prioritize mental health as an essential component of education. Your signature can help secure funding that will make a significant difference in the lives of countless children, providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed.
Sign this petition today and help us make a change for better mental health services in California schools.
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Petition created on 31 July 2026