CA AB1655

Establishes a three-county pilot project (January 15, 2010 through January 1, 2014) to expand juvenile court authority over psychotropic medications for dependent children and wards removed from parental custody, as well as children pending adjudication as dependents.

Requires physicians submitting medication requests to conduct child examinations and provide additional information including medical history and recommended therapy for the six-month period until next court review.

Mandates that juvenile court judges make specific findings before authorizing medications, including that the child and caregiver were informed about benefits and side effects, and that a plan exists for regular medication monitoring.

Requires dependent children to be present at court hearings on medication authorization requests unless they waive attendance or the court finds good cause for absence.

Directs the State Department of Social Services to report findings to the Legislature by July 1, 2014, and requires the Judicial Council to adopt implementing rules and forms by July 1, 2011.