CHICAGO — To expand mental health screenings for Illinois’ children and tackle the staggering rise of these challenges in our youth — including increased rates of sadness, hopelessness and difficulty with schoolwork — State Senator Sara Feigenholtz led Senate Bill 1560, a new law that improves access to early detection, diagnosis and treatment among students in grades 3-12.

“This phase of the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative is the boldest step to date,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Universal mental health screenings in schools help with early identification, and if a child requires services, the BEACON portal is there to assist in accessing comprehensive support and behavioral health services.”

Feigenholtz has worked alongside members of the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, led by Dr. Dana Weiner, since 2022. Feigenholtz sponsored and passed the Interagency Children’s Behavioral Health Services Act in 2023, paving the way for the new BEACON portal, a centralized online platform for Illinois children and families seeking mental health services. Through BEACON, youth and caregivers can find services they qualify for, manage health records securely, receive real-time updates, and request additional case support.

Under the new law, the state will begin working with schools to offer mental health screenings to students in third grade through high school. School districts will only be required to implement the screenings once the state can provide screening tools at no cost to the school. Similar to other school-provided programs, parents and guardians will have the choice to opt their child out of the screenings.

“The State Board of Education has worked hard to understand what supports are needed by the school districts to identify and respond to mental health challenges,” said Chief Behavioral Health Officer Dana Weiner. “It is the collaboration across multiple state agencies, communities and providers that has made it possible to provide the districts with what they need so that they can promote not only the education but also the health and well-being of all students.”

Senate Bill 1560 was signed into law on Thursday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.