[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 125 (Thursday, July 20, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S3494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SA 1006. Mr. PADILLA (for himself and Mr. Cornyn) submitted an
amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2226, to
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2024 for military activities
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
At the appropriate place, insert the following:
SEC. 565. REPORT ON MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT OF STUDENTS
ENROLLED IN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATION
ACTIVITY SCHOOLS.
(a) In General.--Not later than December 1, 2024, the
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a
report on programs and policies in Department of Defense
Education Activity (DODEA) schools to support mental health
and wellness among students.
(b) Elements.--The report required under subsection (a)
shall include, at a minimum, the following elements:
(1) A description of the mental health and wellness
resources available to students enrolled in DODEA schools.
(2) An overview of policies and procedures in place in
DODEA schools to ensure that students are regularly screened
for mental health and wellness.
(3) An overview of policies and procedures in place in
DODEA schools for administrators and teachers to communicate
and coordinate with parents and guardians of students in
DODEA schools in cases where students have a demonstrated
need for mental health and wellness support.
(4) Any recommendations for new policies, programs, or
resources to improve mental health and wellness support for
students enrolled in DODEA schools.
(5) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of
conducting a pilot program to detail licensed medical health
care providers under the control of the Defense Health Agency
to DODEA schools in order to improve mental health and
wellness care for students enrolled in DODEA schools.
(6) Any other matters the Secretary concerned deems
relevant and appropriate.
(c) Student Mental Health and Wellness Defined.--For
purposes of this section, student mental health and wellness
includes, at a minimum, the following:
(1) Depression.
(2) Suicidal ideation.
(3) Anxiety.
(4) Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
(5) Eating disorders.
(6) Substance abuse.
(7) Dual diagnosis conditions.
______