SB 1808 Summary

• Requires all children placed in out-of-home care to receive a comprehensive behavioral health assessment within 7 days of placement, with recommendations incorporated into the child's case plan.

• Mandates appointment of a guardian ad litem to represent children prescribed psychotropic medications, with duties including participation in mental health treatment planning, monitoring compliance, and submitting written reports every 45 days.

• Establishes express and informed consent requirements from parents or legal guardians before psychotropic medications are prescribed, with specific developmental age-appropriate assent procedures for children ages 7 and older.

• Requires court authorization for administering psychotropic medications when parental consent cannot be obtained, with a 2-working-day objection period for interested parties and hearing requirements if objections are filed.

• Prohibits psychotropic medications for children birth through age 10 in out-of-home placement without a compelling governmental interest finding and review by a licensed child psychiatrist, with limited exceptions for hospitals and crisis stabilization units.