Bill > S72

This bill aims to ensure access to behavioral health services for children involved with state agencies. Key provisions include: 1. Expanding the responsibilities of the Department of Mental Health to provide specialized mental health services, such as inpatient care, crisis intervention, and residential treatment programs, to individuals under agreements with other state agencies. 2. Requiring the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to develop a model emergency response plan for congregate care settings, including guidelines for staff and protocols to access crisis services, and supporting congregate care programs in implementing the plan. 3. Establishing the right of children in DCF custody to return to their congregate care program after a medical or non-medical leave of absence, and requiring DCF to reimburse programs for holding the child's bed during such leaves. 4. Mandating DCF and the Department of Developmental Services to prepare comprehensive plans to address access to behavioral and mental health services for individuals in their custody or care, including strategies to expand post-hospitalization services and reduce wait times for appropriate placements. 5. Establishing a special commission to investigate and study the needs of children and adolescents with intensive behavioral health needs and the availability of services to address those needs. Overall, the bill aims to improve access to behavioral health services and care coordination for children involved with state agencies, particularly those in congregate care settings.