Prairie State Wire

Awake Illinois has announced the release of a new school mental health screening opt-out form for parents, according to a post on X.

According to Awake Illinois, the introduction of this opt-out form coincides with a broader implementation of mental health screenings in schools. These screenings are currently being conducted in some areas and will be offered free statewide starting in 2027, as mandated by Senate Bill 1560 (SB1560). The organization emphasizes that these screenings are becoming as common as vision and hearing tests, with parental opt-out rights recognized similarly. This highlights both the prevalence of such screenings and the importance of maintaining parental choice.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB1560, which requires schools to provide annual mental health screenings to public school students from grades three through twelve beginning in the 2027–28 school year. These screenings will be free if funding is approved for developing the screening tools. Parents retain the right to opt their children out of these screenings even as they become mandatory statewide. This legislation positions Illinois as one of the first states to require universal school-based mental health screening while incorporating parental choice.

Policy experts and parents have expressed concerns about the new screening law. While opting out is allowed, critical details remain undecided—such as communication procedures, confidentiality measures, and follow-up referral processes. The Illinois State Board of Education has until September 1, 2026, to provide guidance on these issues. Critics argue that this gap could hinder transparency and parent engagement, fueling broader debates about government overreach and adequate parental notification in extensive health-related school programs.

Awake Illinois is a non-profit civic advocacy organization based in Illinois that focuses on education policy and parental rights. The group offers resources like downloadable opt-out form bundles and background materials—as highlighted in their new blog post—to support parents in exercising their authority over school-based mental health initiatives. Awake Illinois positions itself as an advocate for parental involvement in policy decisions affecting children's well-being, particularly concerning emerging state programs.