Substitute Senate Bill No. 155, also known as Public Act No. 26-48, mandates the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to submit an annual report to the General Assembly starting October 15, 2027. This report will include various data points such as service utilization by race and ethnicity, compliance with sibling visitation requirements, and details about the family assessment response program, while ensuring that no personally identifying information is included. The bill also repeals and replaces Section 17a-22m, which requires annual evaluations of the Behavioral Health Partnership by the Commissioners of Children and Families, Social Services, and Mental Health and Addiction Services. Additionally, it updates the reporting requirements for missing or abducted children and redefines the establishment of multipurpose youth service bureaus to enhance service delivery for youth.

The bill introduces a new data-sharing initiative called Data Link Connecticut, replacing the previous Preschool through Twenty and Workforce Information Network (P20 WIN), and establishes a framework for interagency collaboration. It mandates that regional workforce development boards and higher education institutions submit data to DataLinkCT to report on workforce system performance. The Chief Workforce Officer will oversee data submission standards and conduct annual assessments. Furthermore, the bill modifies the reporting requirements for the executive board of Data Link Connecticut, extending the deadline for a report on disconnected youth and changing its frequency from annual to biennial. Overall, the bill aims to improve child welfare services, enhance data management, and promote collaboration across state agencies.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-19m
KID Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-19m, 4-68y
File No. 5: 10-19m, 4-68y
Public Act No. 26-48: 10-19m