SB 549 Summary

• Establishes a two-year child welfare and behavioral health pilot program in Davie, Forsyth, Rockingham, and Stokes counties to improve access to comprehensive health services for children in foster care through trauma-informed integrated care models.

• Appropriates $300,000 for each year of the 2019-2021 fiscal biennium to provide technical assistance and consultation to participating counties and to evaluate the pilot for potential statewide implementation.

• Requires the Division of Social Services and Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services to submit a report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by October 1, 2022, including costs, enhanced services, outcomes, and replication plans.

• Directs the pilot to address safety and health needs through trauma-informed tools, provide preventive and medical care, address social determinants of health, and allow behavioral health services in family foster homes with dedicated care coordination.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2019.