Bill > S0344

This bill requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to develop a budget and seek funding to establish an early childhood mental health hub program to improve mental health services for children under six years old. The hub would be a three-year pilot program designed to address significant mental health challenges in young children, as evidenced by the growing number of children with Serious Emotional Disturbance in Rhode Island. The program's key objectives include training mental health professionals in specialized therapies for young children (such as child-parent psychotherapy, parent-child interaction therapy, and attachment and biobehavioral catch-up), maintaining a registry of qualified professionals, monitoring service availability, and making recommendations to improve the behavioral health system. The hub aims to integrate with existing children's behavioral health systems and prioritize equitable access to services by increasing the number of bilingual and culturally diverse clinicians. Specific goals include providing training on developmentally-appropriate screenings and assessments, supporting clinician certification in evidence-based therapy models, and serving as a community resource for families seeking mental health services for young children. The bill recognizes the critical importance of nurturing relationships and early intervention in promoting positive mental health development for children.

Health and Social Services

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