HB 20-1006 Summary

• Directs the Colorado Department of Human Services to design, implement, and operate a statewide voluntary program of early childhood mental health consultation by July 1, 2022, serving prenatal period through age 8 across various settings including child care, schools, and health care.

• Requires development of a consultation model by July 1, 2021 that includes qualifications for mental health consultants, job expectations, expected outcomes, and guidance on consultant-to-setting ratios, with standards based on evidence-based programs.

• Establishes a professional development plan with training on trauma, adverse childhood experiences, child development, special education law, and other topics to support consultant competency and cultural responsiveness.

• Requires establishment of a statewide certification process by July 1, 2022 and publication of a list of certified consultants on a publicly accessible website for easy access by early childhood providers.

• Mandates data collection and biennial reporting to the Joint Budget Committee beginning in 2022, with an independent third-party evaluation by August 1, 2025, and directs both Human Services and Health Care Policy and Financing departments to explore additional funding options.