School-Based Referrals for Behavioral Health Services
In 2020, the Arizona legislature passed Jake’s Law which created a fund that provides uninsured and underinsured children access to behavioral health services when they are referred through an educational institution. This special allocation of state funding allows schools to refer students for behavioral health services for anxiety, depression, social isolation, stress, behavioral issues, or any other mental health concern. In conformance with Jake’s Law, QCUSD policy ensures that parents/guardians are provided an opportunity to opt-in for their child/ren to receive school-based referrals to a behavioral health services and providers on an annual basis.
QCUSD policy and procedure includes:
- An opt-in process for parents
- A survey to parents whose children utilize school-based referrals
- A list of service providers published on the district website
- An annual report to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
Annual Opt-in Process
Parents/legal guardians can opt in to receive school-based referrals to a behavioral health agency for QCUSD students enrolled in grades 7-12. Consent to participate must be obtained annually. Parents/legal guardians may revoke their consent at any time, but revocations shall be prospective only.
To opt in your student, please contact your student’s school counselor.
Currently, QCUSD has partnered with Community Bridges to provide behavioral health services.
Contact Information:
Natalia Chimbo-Andrade
Director of Community Education & Outreach
Who Makes the Referrals?
A counselor, psychologist, or school administrator makes the referral to the appropriate behavioral health agency based on student need.
Who Receives the Funding?
Funding is provided directly to community agencies contracted with the three Regional Behavioral Health Authorities. Those are Mercy Care (Central Arizona), Arizona Complete Health Care (Southern Arizona), and Care 1st (Northern Arizona).
Annual Parents/Legal Guardians Survey
At the end of the school year, parents/legal guardians will be asked to participate in a survey regarding the school-based referral program. QCUSD may conduct the survey or may rely on the contracted behavioral health services provider to do so.
The survey will include the following:
- Whether the parents/legal guardians opted in to the program.
- Whether the parents/legal guardians were notified before the referral took place.
- Whether the behavioral health services referral was appropriate to meet the student’s needs.
- Whether the parents/legal guardians were satisfied with the choice of behavioral health providers.
- Whether the parents/legal guardians intend to opt in to the program again the following school year (if the student will continue to be enrolled in the district).