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 referred through an educational institution—otherwise known as “school-based referrals.” To make school-based referrals, the legislature required school districts and charter schools to pass a policy that outlined the law as it relates to school-based referrals. The policy must include:
1. An opt-in process for parents
2. A survey to parents whose children utilize school-based referrals
3. A list of service providers published on the district website
4. An annual report to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
Governing Board Policy Manual:
ABOUT JAKE’S LAW
S.B. 1523 is named in honor of Jake Machovsky, an Arizona teen who lost his life to suicide in 2016 after battling mental health issues. Jake’s parents, Denise and Ben, started the JEM Foundation to end youth suicide and expand behavioral health services. Additional resources can be found for suicide prevention, parents & caregivers, and a lot more.