CT HB06340

By July 1, 2013, the Commissioner of Children and Families must return each child in state custody from out-of-state treatment facilities to in-state placements, unless specialized behavioral health treatment unavailable in-state or proximity to family is necessary.

After July 1, 2013, any new out-of-state placements must be approved by superior court for juvenile matters, with the court reviewing whether the placement meets one of two criteria: specialized treatment needs or family proximity benefits.

The commissioner must submit quarterly reports to court regarding children in approved out-of-state placements and plans for returning them to in-state facilities.

By January 1, 2013, the commissioner must develop a plan to reallocate departmental funds and maximize federal and private funding to expand in-state community-based and residential services for children transitioning from out-of-state facilities.

The commissioner must submit annual reports by May 1, 2012 (changed from February 1, 2010) detailing numbers, ages, and race of children in psychiatric hospitals, out-of-state residential treatment, homeless situations, in permanent alternative living arrangements, and those refusing services.