This bill seeks to improve the treatment and care of minors in foster homes and psychiatric facilities in Alaska by introducing new provisions for consent regarding behavioral and mental health treatment for minors aged 16 and older. Under certain conditions, these minors can consent to outpatient services without parental approval, specifically if they are unaccompanied homeless minors or living independently. The bill also establishes guidelines for mental health providers on how to proceed with treatment when parental consent may be detrimental to the minor's well-being. Additionally, it clarifies the roles of the Department of Family and Community Services in placing children in treatment foster homes and psychiatric facilities, while ensuring that parents retain certain rights regarding their children's medical treatment.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to enhance psychiatric care for children in state custody, allowing the Department of Family and Community Services to seek short-term psychiatric care in hospitals not designated as residential treatment centers when a mental health professional determines a child poses a risk of serious harm. It mandates timely notification to relevant parties and requires court reviews of placements within specified timeframes. The introduction of "treatment foster homes" aims to provide specialized services for children with specific needs, along with ongoing training for foster parents in trauma-informed care. The bill also updates definitions and reporting requirements related to child welfare, with its implementation dependent on federal approval of necessary amendments to the state's Medicaid plan.

Statutes affected:
HB0036A, AM HB 36, introduced 01/10/2025: 47.10.087, 47.30.915, 47.10.080, 47.10.142, 47.14.112, 18.05.020
HB0036B, AM SCS HB 36(HSS), introduced 05/14/2025: 47.10.087, 47.10.080, 47.10.142, 47.30.915, 47.32.900, 47.14.112, 18.05.020, 47.10.990
HB0036C, AM SCS HB 36(JUD), introduced 05/16/2025: 12.62.400, 47.05.310, 47.32.010, 25.20.025, 18.16.010, 14.30.174, 47.30.915, 47.07.020, 47.32.900, U.S.C, 25.23.190, 25.23.210, 47.10.084, 25.20.028, 47.10.087, 47.10.080, 47.10.142, 47.10.990, 47.12.150, 47.14.010, 47.14.110, 47.14.112, 18.05.020, 47.14.115, 47.14.900, 47.32.032, 47.10.141, 47.10.105