New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured the continuation of school-based mental health services. A federal judge ruled in favor of James and a coalition of 15 other attorneys general, finding that the Trump administration's attempt to cut funding for these programs was unlawful. The ruling, issued last Friday, ensures that at least $19 million in previously allocated funds will remain available for New York schools.
According to a statement obtained by the Attorney General's office, James discussed the mental health challenges faced by children and criticized the federal government’s role in addressing these issues. She stated that children are experiencing high rates of mental health challenges and that federal actions have sought to reduce access to services established in response to the incidents at Parkland and Uvalde. Her legal actions are a response to what she describes as insufficient federal support for youth mental health during a period of increased need.
The Trump administration’s decision to end the grant programs prompted a response from James and other attorneys general. Their lawsuit, filed in July, challenged the Department of Education’s action to stop funding, which would have affected access to school-based mental health professionals, including counselors, social workers, and psychologists. The programs were initially established with bipartisan Congressional support following the school shootings in Parkland, Florida, and Uvalde, Texas, and were intended to address ongoing challenges in youth mental health.
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington ruled that the decision to end funding was illegal, preserving resources that school districts use to provide mental health services. While the ruling directly affects New York, it may also influence support for school-based mental health programs nationwide. The decision ensures continued access to services established in response to the school shootings in Parkland and Uvalde.
