Amend Head Start to include mental health programs

Prevention, Early Intervention, & Youth
social determinants of health
No items found.
Population
Youth
Coverage & Standards
No items found.
Federal department
No items found.
house committees
House Education and Workforce Committee
House Energy and Commerce Committee
senate committees
Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Recommendation

Congress should amend the Head Start Act so the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary is required to prioritize programs that support evidence-based trauma-informed programs, age-appropriate positive behavioral interventions and supports, early childhood mental health consultation, and prevention of suspension and expulsion.[1]

Background/summary

Each year, Head Start programs serve more than 1 million children ages birth to five and pregnant people through federally-funded grantee organizations.[2] The Office of Head Start provides guidance to grantees on using quality improvement funds to support Head Start teachers in addressing behavioral challenges and potential mental health conditions.[3] Previously proposed legislation sought funding and requirements for the Health and Human Services Secretary to identify, review, and implement effective, evidence-based interventions that improve children’s mental health in Head Start programs.[4][5][6] Congress should amend the Head Start Act to prioritize support for evidence-based, trauma-informed programs, age-appropriate interventions, and mental health screenings.[1]

citations

1. The Kennedy Forum. Navigating The New Frontier of Mental Health and Addiction: A Guide for the 115th Congress. Last Updated January 2017.

2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start. Head Start Program Annual Fact Sheets. Last Accessed July 27, 2023.

3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start. FY 2023 Head Start Funding Increase ACF-PI-HS-23-02. Last Accessed July 27, 2023.

4. Mental Health Matters Act. H.R. 7780 (DeSaulnier), 117th Congress, (2021-2022). Last Accessed July 27, 2023.

5. Supporting Trauma-Informed Education Practices Act of 2022. H.R. 7784 (Hayes), 117th Congress, (2021-2022). Last Accessed July 27, 2023.

6. Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act. H.R. 6509 (DeSaulnier-Fitzpatrick), 117th Congress (2021-2022). Last Accessed July 27, 2023.