HB 5269

Abstract

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that all youth in care shall be assigned a mental health provider to manage their mental health care needs. Requires a youth's mental health provider to visit the youth and conduct a well-being assessment within 30 days after the youth is removed from his or her home and placed in the temporary custody or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services. Provides that additional follow-up visits and well-being checks shall be scheduled and conducted until the youth is no longer under the custody or guardianship of the Department. Provides that any mental health care services provided to the youth shall be in addition to any care or services the youth receives from his or her primary care provider. Grants the Department rulemaking authority. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 20 ILCS 505/5.28 new Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 505/5.27 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Children and Family Services Act. In a provision requiring the Holistic Mental Health Care for Youth in Care Task Force to submit quarterly reports to the Governor and General Assembly, removes a requirement that the report includes recommendations resulting from the Task Force's study regarding mental health and wellness services provided to youth in care. Changes the deadline date for the Task Force's final report to December 31, 2025 (rather than December 31, 2024). Effective immediately.