In this podcast, Heather & Pam discuss Colorado HB23-1003, one of many mental health bills aimed at students in public schools this session. This bill is by far the worst, lacking transparency. Heather takes you through the iMatter questions on the assessment and raises concerns about the different values of the counselors whom 12-18 year olds will be referred to without parental notification. Pam raises concerns about the validity & reliability of the assessment. Who tested this project? What were the outcomes? Will all students be recommended to take SSRI drugs? Will students be pressured to opt-in? Will schools be mandated to provide the assessment after the first year? Will any of the student data be recorded in the student record? Parents need to ask questions of legislators & demand safeguards written into the bill.

Read the bill here: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2023A/bills/2023a_1003_01.pdf