SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Thursday to make Illinois one of the first states to provide universal mental health screenings for young children and teens . Sponsors said this law is the next piece of the puzzle to get kids and their families the support they urgently need.

Senate Bill 1560 requires public schools to offer age-appropriate confidential mental health screenings to identify mental health concerns and link students to support. Students in grades three through 12 will participate in screenings once per school year.

"For a younger person, like in third or fourth grade, it could even exist on a tablet," said Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago). "The young student answers a series of questions, maybe even with graphics, that say I am feeling

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