MA S111

Department of Mental Health must assume responsibility for specialized mental health services for individuals requiring inpatient care, crisis intervention, intensive residential treatment, and youth crisis stabilization services

Department of Children and Families must develop a model emergency response plan for congregate care settings that limits law enforcement referrals to cases involving imminent risk of death or serious harm, with biennial reviews and public posting

Congregate care programs cannot refuse to readmit a child after medical or psychiatric hospitalization if the child is determined stable and appropriate for return; DCF must reimburse programs at prevailing rates to hold beds during absences

DCF must convene an emergency placement team within 2 business days when requested, with referral to a complex case resolution panel if no placement is found within 7 days

A 25-member special commission must study children with intensive behavioral health needs not adequately served by existing treatment models and report findings by January 1, 2026