S.B. 1351 Summary

• Establishes an infant and early childhood mental health program within the Department of Health to provide mental health services for children up to five years of age in Hawaii.

• Program shall develop flexible strategies for service delivery and workforce training in early child care, home visitation, and early intervention settings while promoting trauma-informed care practices.

• Appropriates general revenues for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to establish the program and fund one permanent full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position (specific dollar amounts not filled in).

• Addresses documented mental health needs of approximately 29,000 children under five in Hawaii, with focus on preventing social and emotional development delays caused by abuse, neglect, substance abuse exposure, and poverty.

• Takes effect July 1, 2050.