Delaware Code Title 14. Education § 1716F. Mental health services unit and funding for middle school

(1) In fiscal year 2023, 1 unit for each 400 full-time equivalent students in a school district or charter school, grades 6 through 8, for employment of a full-time school counselor, or school social worker or a licensed clinical social worker who is certified by the Delaware Department of Education as a school social worker.  Districts and charter schools shall qualify for funding for a fractional part of 400 full-time equivalent pupils enrolled in grades 6 through 8.

(2) In fiscal year 2024, 1 unit for each 325 full-time equivalent students in a school district or charter school, grades 6 through 8, for employment of a full-time school counselor, or school social worker or a licensed clinical social worker who is certified by the Delaware Department of Education as a school social worker.  Districts and charter schools shall qualify for funding for a fractional part of 325 full-time equivalent pupils enrolled in grades 6 through 8.

(3) Beginning in fiscal year 2025, 1 unit for each 250 full-time equivalent students in a school district or charter school, grades 6 through 8, for employment of a full-time school counselor, or school social worker or a licensed clinical social worker who is certified by the Delaware Department of Education as a school social worker.  Districts and charter schools shall qualify for funding for a fractional part of 250 full-time equivalent pupils enrolled in grades 6 through 8.

(4) One unit for each 700 full time equivalent students in a school district or charter school, grades 6 through 8, for employment of full-time school psychologists or other mental health provider with experience in a school setting or experience providing direct services to school age children.  Districts and charter schools shall qualify for funding for a fractional part of 700 full-time equivalent pupils enrolled in grades 6 through 8.

(1) “Mental health services” means prevention, response, and coordination services delivered to students in middle school.

(2) “Other mental health provider” means a mental health services provider licensed by the Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency.

(1) School counselors shall be required to provide services that are aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, including the provisions related to indirect and direct services as those terms are defined by ASCA.

(2) School social workers shall be required to provide services aligned to the National Association of School Social Work school social work standards.

(3) School psychologists shall be required to provide services aligned with the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services.

(g)(1) The Department shall provide a report to the Office of Management and Budget and to the Controller General detailing the number of positions filled by position type and number of school psychology positions and other mental health providers contracted for under this program at each eligible local education agency by December 30 of each year.

(2) Each district and charter school shall provide to the Department the number of positions filled by position type at each school and the number of school psychology positions and other mental health providers contracted for under this program by November 30 of each year.