Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9045
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-29: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-24T15:38:56Z
AI-Generated Summary
Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act (H.R. 9045)
Purpose
This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify, review, and support the implementation of evidence-based interventions in Head Start and Early Head Start programs to improve children's social-emotional and behavioral health, while also addressing staff wellness.
Key Provisions
- Identification and review of interventions: The Secretary must identify evidence-based practices, curricula, and trainings that improve child behavioral health, support healthy development, incorporate trauma-informed approaches, offer tiered support levels (universal, selected, and indicated), and demonstrate effectiveness across diverse populations. Reviews must also cover staff wellness and self-care options.
- Credentials and consultation: The Secretary determines appropriate credentials for deliverers and consults with agencies like the National Institute of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and others, while soliciting public input.
- Implementation grants: Grants are awarded to Head Start agencies to put identified interventions into practice, with requirements for geographic diversity including urban, suburban, and rural areas.
- Evaluation framework: The Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation develops methods to assess effective implementation, anticipated effect sizes, long-term savings, and performance measures, with public input and updates every five years.
- Voluntary evaluation and support: Head Start programs can voluntarily use the evaluation method with minimal burden, and technical assistance is provided.
- Best Practice Centers: Up to five centers may be funded at universities and colleges to train future Head Start staff.
- Funding: Authorizes $100,000,000 for fiscal years 2027 through 2036, available until expended.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new mandates for the Department of Health and Human Services to systematically review and promote specific mental health interventions in Head Start programs, which previously lacked such a dedicated identification and grant-based implementation process. It establishes ongoing evaluation requirements and funding for training centers, creating structured mechanisms for evidence-based updates every five years.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Increases responsibilities for the Administration for Children and Families and the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in research, grant administration, and monitoring.
- Citizens: Provides enhanced mental health supports for children and families in Head Start programs, along with staff wellness resources, potentially improving early development outcomes.
- No notable effects on international relations are outlined in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Head Start and Early Head Start agencies, staff, and participating children and families.
- The Department of Health and Human Services and affiliated agencies.
- Universities and colleges eligible for Best Practice Centers.
- Experts, nonprofits, and the public involved in consultation processes.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill operates within existing executive authority over federal grant programs and does not introduce apparent constitutional conflicts. It emphasizes voluntary participation in evaluations and public input, focusing on evidence-based approaches without mandating participation by all programs.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-29: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-05-29: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act — issued 2026-05-29 — PDF (8 pages)