CT SB00370

Establishes a peer-run respite center program under the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective October 1, 2024

Requires creation of at least 8 peer-run respite centers (one in each mental health region, plus three specialized centers in regions 2 or 4 serving TQI+, BIPOC, and Spanish-speaking communities) and one peer-run technical assistance center

Peer-run respite centers must be operated by peer-run organizations controlled by persons with psychiatric histories or lived experience of similar challenges, providing voluntary short-term services in home-like environments focused on recovery and wellness for adults 18 and older experiencing mental health crises

Peer-run technical assistance center shall assist with hiring and recruitment, community awareness, service evaluation, professional networking, development of best practices, and training standards for peer support specialists

Commissioner must adopt regulations establishing training requirements for peer support specialists and submit annual reports to the joint standing public health committee beginning October 1, 2025, identifying implementation barriers and recommendations