CT SB00207

Revises section 17a-132 to require assessment of children in qualified residential treatment programs within 30 days of placement by a qualified individual designated by the Commissioner of Children and Families.

Assessment must use an age-appropriate, evidence-based, validated functional assessment tool approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate child's strengths and needs.

Qualified individual must determine if child's needs can be met by family members or foster placement, and if not, identify the most effective and appropriate least restrictive care setting consistent with the child's permanency plan.

Requires development of child-specific short-term and long-term mental and behavioral health goals, with assessments conducted in conjunction with the child's family permanency planning team.

Revises section 17a-248k to require school districts without an established local or regional school readiness council to designate a school readiness liaison, who must be an existing employee serving as an informational resource for parents transitioning children from the birth-to-three program to public elementary school, effective July 1, 2022.