Chicago Public Schools faces scrutiny over therapy deal

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has partnered with Hazel Health to provide free virtual therapy for high school students, addressing a growing mental health crisis. However, privacy advocates are raising concerns about the contract, suggesting it may violate the Illinois Student Online Privacy Protection Act. Cassie Creswell of Illinois Families for Public Schools said: “If these services are for the students, they shouldn’t be guinea pigs.” Advocates argue that CPS should focus on expanding its social worker and clinician resources instead of relying on for-profit services. While CPS claims that over 70% of its schools have utilized Hazel Health’s services, concerns remain about the potential misuse of student data and the quality of care provided. The contract is set to automatically renew in December, prompting board member Che “Rhymefest” Smith to consider the advocates’ concerns seriously while acknowledging the therapy’s benefits during a time of scarcity.