CO SB059

Establishes a comprehensive statewide system of care for children and youth under age 21 with behavioral health needs, mental health disorders, substance use disorders, or intellectual and developmental disabilities, serving as a single point of access regardless of payer or insurance status.

Creates an Office of the Children's Behavioral Health Statewide System of Care within the Behavioral Health Administration to govern implementation, with a deputy commissioner, leadership team, implementation team, and advisory council with representatives from state agencies, counties, providers, families, and youth.

Requires the system to include standardized screening and assessment, mobile crisis response and stabilization services, tiered care coordination, parent and youth peer support, intensive in-home and community-based services, out-of-home treatment services, and respite services.

Establishes a capacity-building center with a minimum $10 million annual appropriation to develop workforce programs including student loan forgiveness for behavioral health professionals, paid internships, graduate medical education revisions, and expanded apprenticeships and training.

Appropriates $2,158,476 from the general fund for fiscal year 2024-25 to support program administration, integrated behavioral health services, and legal services, with implementation plans and cost analyses due to the legislature by specified deadlines through 2027.