(a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Evidence-based” means peer-reviewed, scientific research evidence, including studies based on research methodologies that control threats to both the internal and the external validity of the research findings.

(2) “Evidence-informed” means using research that is already available and has been tested for efficacy and effectiveness. This evidence is then combined with the experiences and expertise of the training program developers to best fit the population intended to be served.

(3) “Local educational agency” means a county office of education, school district, state special school, or charter school that serves pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive.

(4) “Youth behavioral health disorders” means pupil mental health and substance use disorders.

(5) “Youth behavioral health training” means training addressing the signs and symptoms of a pupil mental health or substance use disorder.

(b) The department shall, on or before January 1, 2023, recommend best practices, and identify evidence-based and evidence-informed training programs for schools to address youth behavioral health, including, but not necessarily limited to, staff and pupil training.

(c) In identifying one or more evidence-based or evidence-informed youth behavioral health training programs for use by local educational agencies to train school staff or pupils pursuant to subdivision (b), the department shall ensure that each training program meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Provides instruction on recognizing the signs and symptoms of youth behavioral health disorders, including common psychiatric conditions and substance use disorders such as opioid and alcohol abuse.

(2) Provides instruction on how school staff can best provide referrals to youth behavioral health services or other support to individuals in the early stages of developing a youth behavioral health disorder.

(3) Provides instruction on how to maintain pupil privacy and confidentiality in a manner consistent with federal and state privacy laws.

(4) Provides instruction on the safe deescalation of crisis situations involving individuals with a youth behavioral health disorder.

(5) Is capable of assessing trainee knowledge before and after training is provided in order to measure training outcomes.

(6) Is administered by a nationally recognized training authority in youth behavioral health disorders or by a local educational agency.

(7) (A) Includes in-person and virtual training with certified instructors who can recommend resources available in the community for individuals with a youth behavioral health disorder.

(B) For purposes of this paragraph, “certified instructors” means individuals who obtain or have obtained a certification to provide the selected youth behavioral health training.

(d) This section shall be implemented only to the extent that an appropriation is made in the annual Budget Act or another statute for these purposes.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 672, Sec. 2. (SB 14) Effective October 8, 2021.)