Maricopa Unified board adopts policy implementing Jake's Law for behavioral-health referrals

The Maricopa Unified School District governing board on July 23 adopted Policy 5-411 to implement the state referral requirements commonly called "Jake's Law." Ms. Pastor, the policy presenter, told the board the measure creates an opt-in referral process that requires informed written parental consent, a list of contracted providers on the district website and an end-of-year parent survey. "This adopting this policy will formally authorize the counselors and administrators to make these behavioral health referrals and ensure that we're compliant," Ms. Pastor said.

Board members asked for clarification about the opt-in and opt-out mechanics. Ms. Pastor explained the district will provide information to all parents; those who opt in will be eligible to be referred to community agencies, and parents can opt in later or revoke consent at any time. "If a parent is entertaining it and would like to opt in at a later point in time, all of this information will be on our website or could be reviewed and discussed with our school counselor," she said.

The board approved the policy by roll-call voice; five "ayes" were recorded. The policy presenter told the board there is no additional cost to the district to implement the new policy.

The policy implements requirements Ms. Pastor said were in response to "Jake's Law," which she referenced as Arizona Revised Statute 36-3436. The board also directed that the district maintain the required list of contracted providers and that counselors and administrators follow the new consent-driven referral process. The policy will be posted to the district website and the administration will conduct the end-of-year parent survey described in the policy.

Next steps: the policy takes effect per district procedures; the administration will publish the required materials online and staff will follow the new opt-in referral protocol.