Schools in the United States are using a large increase in federal money to help students' mental health needs.School systems, or districts, are given plenty of freedom on how to spend the federal money.But mental health problems among students had become clear.Districts have observed a rise in behavioral issues, signs of stress and absenteeism as students returned to classrooms this fall.For many, it was their first time back in a full classroom since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.In Kansas City, Kansas, educators are opening an after-school mental health center.The center is filled with counselors and social workers.Schools in Chicago, Illinois, have "care teams" with the mission of helping struggling students.For some school districts, the money has aided long-standing work to help students deal with trauma-- difficult experiences that have led to emotional problems.Other school systems have created new efforts to treat students.Overall, the money puts public schools at the center of efforts to improve students' general well-being.When the government sent aid to schools after the 2008 economic recession, "this conversation wasn't happening," said Amanda Fitzgerald.
