H860 - Protect Our Youth in Foster Care

• Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a trauma-informed, standardized assessment for children ages 4-17 entering foster care, to be completed by June 30, 2024, with statewide implementation by June 30, 2025.

• Mandates that children referred for foster care receive the assessment within 10 working days of referral, with county social services making referrals within 5 working days of abuse or neglect determination.

• Establishes a multi-sector partnership including state divisions, health plans, county social services, Benchmarks nonprofit, and individuals with lived experience to develop the assessment and rollout plan.

• Appropriates $750,000 annually for 2023-2025 to develop the assessment and $20,000,000 in recurring state funds for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 (matched with $38.7 million in federal funds) to fund innovative Medicaid services for foster children.

• Directs the Division of Health Benefits to convene a workgroup to identify innovative Medicaid service options supporting family reunification and short-term residential treatment for high-acuity cases.