HB 5643

Abstract

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Creates the Enhanced Services for Children with Disabilities Task Force to examine and review the Department of Children and Family Services' protocols and procedures for interviewing children with disabilities who are victims of abuse or neglect. Sets forth the task force's duties which shall include: (i) examining reports made to the Department's statewide toll-free telephone number that concern children with disabilities who later interviewed in an abuse or neglect case; and (ii) developing best practices and strategies for Department caseworkers to utilize when interviewing children with disabilities, including disability-specific approaches and services designed to make the child more compliant and focused during the interview process. Provides that the task force shall consist of 21 appointed members who shall serve without compensation and shall be considered members with voting rights. Provides that the task force shall meet and hold hearings as it deems necessary and shall receive the cooperation of any State agency it deems appropriate to assist the task force in carrying out its duties. Requires the task force to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Department, and the General Assembly no later than December 31, 2018 and provides that the task force is abolished and the provisions creating the task force are repealed on January 1, 2019. Effective immediately.