California law directs schools to review mental health support for students facing deportations
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Governor Gavin Newsom of California signed a law requiring state and local schools to review how they support students and connect them with mental health services when families face deportation or immigration-related emergencies.
The new law, AB 2460, responds to concerns that fear of family detention or deportation can disrupt students’ learning and well-being, even if the students are U.S. citizens.
The legislation doesn’t immediately fund new mental health programs or guarantee therapy for every student, but instead focuses on improving existing support systems. The California Department of Education must update its model guidelines by July 1, 2027. Then, school districts serving grades 7 to 12 have until July 1, 2028, to review their own policies and make necessary changes.
These revisions should prioritize early identification of emotional needs, culturally appropriate support in multiple languages, and coordination with families and community organizations. Researchers at Stanford University found that student absences increased by an average of 22% in January and February 2025 in communities experiencing heightened immigration enforcement, particularly impacting younger students.
The new law builds on existing efforts, like the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s guide for supporting immigrant students and families, to ensure a consistent and proactive response across the state. Families can currently seek support by contacting school counselors or accessing resources through their county’s health systems.
