Illinois Universal Mental Health Screening (UMHS): FAQ for District Leaders

What Is the Illinois Universal Mental Health Screening Law?

Illinois Public Act 104-0032 requires school districts to offer a universal mental health screening to students in grades 3-12 at least once per school year. “Universal” means every student in those grades is offered the screening. The law also directed the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to publish a recommendations report, a readiness tool, and model procedures, which it released in August 2026.

When Do Illinois Schools Have to Start Mental Health Screening?

The requirement begins in the 2027-28 school year. It applies only if the state has procured a screening tool with a student self-report option that districts can use at no cost. Districts may also request an extension from ISBE. Many districts already screen some students; they can keep their current screener if it meets ISBE's criteria.

Which Grades Must Be Screened, and How Often?

Starting in the 2027-28 school year, districts must offer screening to students in grades 3-12 at least once a year, according to Public Act 104-0032. This applies only if the state provides a free screening tool with a student self-report option. The law doesn't require screening in grades K-2.

Do Districts Have to Use the State's Free Screener?

No. Districts can use the state's free tool or choose their own. According to ISBE's School Screening Readiness Report, districts may use the state tool or “an approved alternative tool that meets the criteria within this framework.” The report says a qualifying screener addresses “internalizing behavior, externalizing behavior, trauma, self-harm, harm to others, and ADHD and focus challenges” and “takes 10 minutes or less to administer.”

Can a Social-Emotional Skills Screener Meet this Requirement?

No. According to ISBE, “SEL screeners do not meet the requirements of a mental health screener.” Social-emotional learning (SEL) screeners measure skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making, while a mental health screener looks for signs of possible mental health conditions. ISBE encourages districts that already use an SEL screener to keep giving it in addition to a mental health screener that meets the criteria.

Can Families Opt Out of Mental Health Screening?

Yes. Districts may use an opt-out model, where students are screened unless a family declines, or an opt-in model that requires written consent. ISBE also advises seeking student assent and consulting legal counsel. Its guidance notes that opt-out (passive) consent typically produces much higher participation than opt-in.

Does the Screening Diagnose Students, and Is the Data Shared with the State? 

No. Illinois mental health screening does not diagnose students, and districts are not required to share screening data with the state. A screener flags students who may need further evaluation; only licensed professionals can diagnose. The law does not require districts to share screening data with ISBE or any outside entity. Districts set their own policies for storing and using results.

Is There Funding to Support Mental Health Screening?

The main state support is the free screening tool this requirement depends on, as written in Public Act 104-0032. ISBE's guidance does not describe separate funding for staffing or follow-up services. ISBE points districts to resources such as the BEACON care portal and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which offer services whether or not a family can pay, to help build referral pathways and community partnerships.

What Should Districts Do After a Student Is Flagged?

ISBE recommends embedding screening in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for behavioral health. Tier 1 is schoolwide support for all students. Tier 2 adds targeted help, like small groups or counselor check-ins. Tier 3 is intensive, individualized support. A clear follow-up plan should be in place before the first screening. 

How Does a Tier 1 Human Skills Program Fit with Mental Health Screening?

Screening identifies students who may need help. Tier 1 is where every student builds the skills that support well-being every day. ISBE's guidance lists early intervention, supportive peers, managing stress, and adaptive coping skills as protective factors, and places schoolwide programming at Tier 1. A consistent Tier 1 program also gives every student a shared language for talking about how they're doing and knowing how to ask for support.

How Does Wayfinder Support Illinois Districts Implementing Mental Health Screening?

Currently, Wayfinder is not a mental health screener. Wayfinder is a complete PreK–12 platform for purpose-driven learning. Within MTSS, it provides Tier 1 human skills instruction for every student, plus Tier 2 and Tier 3 human skills interventions for students who need more support. Wayfinder's Core Curriculum builds six skills: Self-Awareness, Adaptability, Empathy, Collaboration, Agency, and Purpose. The Waypoints assessment suite gives educators actionable insights into student progress and automatically recommends activities to support each learner's needs.

See how Wayfinder supports every MTSS tier.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Districts should confirm details with ISBE and their legal counsel.

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Last updated October 15, 2026