CT SB00983

Commissioner of Emergency Management and Homeland Security must report annually to the General Assembly starting January 1, 2012, on planning and activities for children and youth in homeland preparedness and emergency response for natural disasters, man-made disasters, and terrorism.

Report shall address distinct health needs of children for bioterrorism and public health emergencies, public education for families on disaster safety, training for child care providers and school personnel on safety measures and multi-hazard response plans, coordination of school health and mental health strategies, and amendments to the state civil preparedness plan.

Commissioner shall update and amend the state civil preparedness plan in consultation with Commissioners of Social Services, Public Health, Children and Families, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Education, and the Commission on Children to address children's needs during disasters and terrorism.

All schools and licensed child day care services must have written multi-hazard disaster response plans addressing evacuation of children to safe locations, parent notification, parent-child reunification, and care for children with special needs.

Gender-neutral language changes replace "his" with "or her" in references to the Governor and department heads throughout the statute.