This bill aims to enhance services and support for youth involved in legal proceedings, particularly in the areas of involuntary commitment and juvenile delinquency. It introduces new provisions for treatment, physical assessments, and behavioral health evaluations tailored for youth. Notable amendments include the addition of a new paragraph in Section 125.13 that recognizes psychiatric medical institutions for children and a comprehensive update to Section 135H.1, which now includes definitions for terms such as "approved qualifying organization," "mental health disorder," and "youth." The bill emphasizes the provision of home and community-based services and habilitation services through licensed residential programs, while also outlining licensure requirements for psychiatric medical institutions to ensure adequate care.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Code 2025 to improve evaluation and treatment processes for minors in psychiatric medical institutions and juvenile court systems. It introduces new definitions related to behavioral health conditions and mandates evaluations for individuals with criminal convictions or founded child abuse records before they can be licensed or employed in psychiatric institutions. The bill also updates terminology, replacing "mental examinations" with "behavioral health evaluations," and establishes clearer guidelines for child abuse reporting and assessments. It emphasizes the need for consent from caregivers for physical assessments and evaluations, while also detailing the juvenile court's authority in these matters. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of child welfare and mental health services for youth.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 125.13, 135H.1, 135H.3, 514C.22, 237.3, 135H.6, 135H.10, 135H.13, 229.13, 229.14, 232.2, 232.49, 232.47, 232.8, 232.68, 232.69, 232.71B, 232.77, 232.78, 232.79, 232.83, 232.96A, 232.98, 232.141, 237.4, 237C.1, 237C.4, 602.1101, 602.1217, 602.7201, 514I.8, 135B.12, 135B.20, 135C.2, 135C.6, 135C.9, 135J.3, 155A.13, 232.36, 232.37, 232.101A, 232.102A, 232B.5, 232.57