Bill > H146

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 include providing specialized mental health services and potentially other non-mental health services to the Department of Developmental Services. 2. Requiring the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to develop a model emergency response plan for congregate care settings to promote best practices, including access to crisis intervention and mental health services, and limiting law enforcement involvement to cases of imminent risk. 3. Establishing the right of children in DCF custody to return to their congregate care program after a medical or non-medical leave, with the department reimbursing the program to hold the bed. 4. Requiring DCF and the Department of Developmental Services to develop plans to address access to behavioral and mental health services, including strategies to expand post-hospitalization settings 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 whose needs are not adequately addressed by existing services.