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 psychiatric medical institutions for children, emphasizing comprehensive treatment, physical assessments, and behavioral health evaluations. Key amendments include the addition of a new paragraph in Section 125.13 that recognizes psychiatric medical institutions for children and a redefinition of terms in Section 135H.1 to clarify the roles of approved qualifying organizations and the definition of youth as individuals under twenty-one years of age. The bill also outlines licensing requirements for these institutions, mandating individualized medical care plans and a team-based approach to treatment, while ensuring that care is not contingent upon court proceedings or custody relinquishment.

Additionally, the bill updates various sections of the Iowa Code to improve the legal framework surrounding child welfare and mental health services. It replaces the term "child" with "youth" in multiple contexts, reflecting a modern understanding of the population served. The bill introduces new definitions for physical assessments and behavioral health evaluations, clarifying the responsibilities of medical officers in reporting to the court and the court's authority to order evaluations. It also establishes new standards for protective locked environments in child care facilities and modifies the oversight authority of juvenile court services. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve care and support for youth, particularly those facing mental health and substance use challenges, while ensuring compliance with updated accreditation standards.

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, 232.68, 232.69, 232.71B, 232.77, 232.78, 232.79, 232.83, 232.96A, 232.98, 232.141, 237.1, 237.4, 237C.1, 237C.4, 602.1101, 602.1217, 602.7201, 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