SB 2323

Abstract

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Prohibits the use of restraints on youth in care, including chemical, manual, and mechanical restraints, during the provision of any transportation services provided or arranged by the Department of Children and Family Services or its contractual assigns. Provides that any known, alleged, or suspected violation of the prohibition shall immediately be reported to the Department's Office of the Inspector General, the court presiding over the youth's case in accordance with the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, and the youth's attorney and guardian ad litem. Requires the Department to make a significant events report for any known, alleged, or suspected violation of the prohibition. Sets forth a list of circumstances that require the Department to prepare a written individualized trauma-sensitive transportation plan for any youth in care. Requires the Department to obtain court approval of the transportation plan in accordance with the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 as well as written approval of the transportation plan from the Department's Chief Deputy Director and the Chief Deputy Director of its Clinical Division. Contains provisions concerning information that must be included in a written individualized trauma-sensitive transportation plan; and Department reporting requirements. Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Requires the Department to ensure the provision of trauma-sensitive transport to minors placed in its care. Contains provisions concerning factors a court must consider when determining whether to approve an individualized trauma-sensitive transportation plan submitted by the Department. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Changes the definition of "restraints" to provide that the term does not include child restraint systems or devices ordinarily worn by the youth during transport. Expands the definition of "youth" to include youth in the protective custody of the Department of Children and Family Services. In a provision concerning individualized trauma-sensitive transportation plans, provides that for youth who are psychiatrically hospitalized, discharge and placement planning shall begin from the moment of admission, including developing the transportation plan required under the amendatory Act and seeking court approval as necessary. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that the term "transport" does not include inter-hospital non-emergency transportation. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to begin discharge and placement planning from the moment of admission for youth who are psychiatrically hospitalized.