1. A. It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage and assist the public schools of this state to address school violence through an emphasis on prevention. Preventative services shall be encouraged through greater access to mental health counseling and social services for students. In order to make licensed professional counselors and licensed social workers more available and accessible on site, school districts may:

   1. 1. Contract with and allocate space for nonprofit agencies or other community-based service providers for the appropriate personnel and services;
   2. 2. Seek any available funding, including the use of Medicaid funds for students who are Medicaid eligible through targeted case management, and any other funding which may be available for related services; and
   3. 3. Encourage the State Board of Education to allow for the use of licensed professional counselors and licensed social workers in addition to academic counselors.

Laws 2000, HB 2168, c. 34, § 1, emerg. eff. July 1, 2000.