Jake's Law and Behavioral Health Supports
At Maricopa Unified School District, we are committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of every student. As part of that commitment, we are participating in Arizona’s Jake’s Law initiative, which allows schools to refer eligible students to community-based behavioral health services.
What is Jake's Law?
Jake’s Law (A.R.S. § 36-3436.01), passed in 2020, established a statewide system that helps schools connect students to behavioral health services. The law created a funding source to support students who are uninsured or underinsured when referred through an educational institution. These school-based referrals are intended to reduce barriers and improve access to mental health care.
How it Works
Families who choose to participate in the program must provide annual written consent allowing school staff to refer their child to a behavioral health provider when a need is identified.
Participating schools must:
- Provide families the opportunity to opt in annually
- Inform families that consent may be revoked at any time
- Refer families to a list of contracted providers
- Ensure that only trained personnel make referrals
- Survey families whose students were referred
- Submit an annual report to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
Our Partner Providers
Maricopa Unified School District currently partners with the following agencies to provide behavioral health services to students:
Families who opt in may have their child referred to one of these providers based on need, availability, and the nature of services required.
Opt-In and Consent
Each year, parents and guardians will be asked to complete an informed consent form to participate in the program. This form outlines the nature of the services, privacy protections, and the ability to withdraw consent at any time.
Questions
If you have any questions about Jake’s Law or school-based referrals in MUSD, please contact your school’s counselor or the district office at 520-568-5100.