RI S2606

Expands the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) authority to serve as the primary agency overseeing and administering behavioral health services for children, including those in DCYF care, children with serious emotional disturbances, and children with developmental or functional disabilities.

Requires DCYF to establish a "system of care" framework for children's behavioral health services that is child-centered, family-driven, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and treatment in the least restrictive community settings.

Mandates DCYF collaboration with the state Medicaid agency to ensure compliance with federal Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) provisions for comprehensive behavioral health services.

Requires DCYF to establish a governance structure for coordinating with other state agencies including the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and Department of Education.

Takes effect upon passage.