Bill > SJM10

This Joint Memorial requests the reconvening of the J. Paul Taylor early childhood task force, named in honor of a former legislator and advocate for children, to continue its work on developing and implementing a plan to improve behavioral health services and prevent child abuse for infants and young children up to age eight. The task force, which has already involved various state agencies, managed-care organizations, and community stakeholders, has identified gaps in funding and developed recommendations to strengthen early childhood behavioral health services, including modifying Medicaid funding and billing, and creating better connections between primary care, behavioral health, and community systems. The memorial asks the task force to further refine these plans, develop best practices for trauma-informed care, and expand its membership to include legal experts. It also requests that legislative leaders review the feasibility of the task force's recommendations regarding budgeting and oversight, and that copies of the memorial be sent to relevant state officials.