Task force backs presenting Project AWARE and phased BAR funding plan to education committee

The Mental Health & Vulnerable Adult Task Force reviewed two k‑12 mental‑health proposals—Wyoming Project AWARE (a school‑based identification and referral model) and BAR (a school staffing/training and intervention model)—and agreed to present findings and options to the Joint Education Committee.

Department of Education staff summarized Project AWARE as a partnership that “pairs health care with education” where a community project manager, a paraprofessional (provided by a behavioral‑health contractor) and local training build a referral pathway from schools to behavioral‑health providers. Department presenters said the program relies on local behavioral‑health partners to provide clinical care and billing; the state provides a service‑contract supplement for non‑reimbursable costs and state-level project…