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To: MHANJ Affiliate Directors
From: Carolyn Beauchamp, Executive Director
Cathy Chin, Legislative Advocate
Date: September 21, 2001
Re: Parental Consent Provision of H.R. 1, The Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Action Alert!
Show your concern with the "parental consent" provision of H.R.1,
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Urge Congresswoman Roukema to reject the "parental consent" provision of H.R. 1, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Representative Roukema is seen as a "key" player in the conference committee that is considering an amendment by Representative Tiahrt to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. You could help ensure that mental health services and research are not restricted by urging Senator Roukema to reject the "parental consent" amendment sponsored by Representative Tiahrt.
In May, the House of Representatives, in considering House Resolution 1, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, adopted by voice vote an amendment sponsored by Representatives Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC). The Tiahrt/Graham amendment would require written prior parental consent before a minor could:
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Receive any non-emergency health service in a school setting; or
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Participate in a survey, analysis or evaluation relating to a wide range of matters including risk behaviors and psychological problems.
Schools systems which run afoul of this new standard could lose their federal education funding.
In NMHA's view, while parental involvement in school activities should be encouraged, the sweeping mandates of this provision would, with respect to the prohibition on surveys, interfere with important research on a wide range of public health issues and, with respect to health services, discourage students from seeking help with mental health or other problems, and discourage school personnel from reaching out to students in need.
NMHA is lobbying on these issues. Your efforts would give theirs an important boost.
Encourage Congresswoman Roukema to reject the amendment proposed by Congressmen Tiahrt and Graham.
Send, fax, or e-mail the attached draft letter to Congresswoman Roukema's office in Washington, D.C. Fax: 202-225-9048. Electronic mail:
rep.roukema@mail.house.gov
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