CT HB07071

Reestablishes the "Family with Service Needs" designation for children ages 7-17 who have run away, are beyond parental control, engaged in immoral conduct, are truant, or (newly added) are 13+ and engaged in sexual intercourse with a peer within two years of their age

Parents or guardians may file complaints with Superior Court, which triggers referral to probation officers and mandatory 90-day services through youth services bureaus or new family support centers before court petitions can proceed

Courts may order children to remain home under probation supervision, refer them to community services, or commit them to the Commissioner of Children and Families for up to 18 months (extendable by another 18 months)

Habitual truants who violate court orders may be placed at Connecticut Juvenile Training School or staff-secure facility for up to 45 days with court review every 15 days, after all other options are exhausted

Court Support Services Division must contract with private providers or youth service bureaus to establish family support centers offering crisis intervention, family mediation, mental health treatment, educational advocacy, and short-term respite care