Mental Health Screening
Has your child been forced or coerced into receiving a screening for mental health, potential suicide or depression? Were you consulted for your consent before this screening?
Louisiana law seems to allow this, and even require it for grades K-3, unless you have previously opted out:
Every child in public school in grades kindergarten through third shall be screened, at least once, for the existence of impediments to a successful school experience. No child shall be screened if his parent or tutor objects to such screening.
Note that “tutor” has a special definition in Louisiana law and refers to a court-appointed position. In addition, the law specifies that “impediments” include “attention deficit disorder,” a controversial term that is often used to label a child and justify drugging.
Fortunately there is a Parents’ Bill of Rights for Public Schools that provides some protection, but you must stay alert for notices and it may help to give school authorities advance notice that your consent is required:
Parents of public school children [under 18 years old] shall have [the right to] receive written notice and the option to opt their child out of any surveys that include questions about any… mental health or psychological problems of the student or a family member.
If your child has experienced a mental health screening without your prior consent, please consult an attorney, then contact us.
Use our Parental Consent Form to notify your school officials today.