Schoolchildren in grades three through 12 in Illinois will be screened for mental health starting in 2027, under legislation recently signed by Gov. JB Pritzker.

The program, the first of its kind in the nation, was lauded by state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz and the state Democratic Caucus, which said in a statement that children face challenges including “increased rates of sadness, hopelessness and difficulty with schoolwork.”

“At a time when our kids are struggling with anxiety and depression more than ever before, it’s our responsibility to ensure that young people have all the support that they need to get the help that they deserve,” Pritzker said. Earlier this year, the state launched a portal to connect parents, caregivers and youth with mental health services.

The news was not

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