OH SB257

Establishes the Support Children's Overall Psychological and Emotional Health (SCOPE) Pilot Program through collaboration between the Department of Health and Department of Behavioral Health to provide mental health services to children eligible for the Program for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

Targets mental health conditions common among children managing complex medical issues, including medical-induced PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other stress/trauma-related conditions from serious medical conditions

Services include outpatient care, counseling, and medication for mental health treatment, with the departments required to establish service criteria and generate a list of approved providers

Appropriates $500,000 from the General Revenue Fund for fiscal year 2026, with unused funds eligible for reappropriation to fiscal year 2027

Program terminates after one year or when funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first, followed by a joint survey of participating families to assess effectiveness