The bill introduces comprehensive reforms to the care and treatment of children and minors in Kansas, primarily by renaming juvenile crisis intervention centers to juvenile stabilization centers and modifying their intake criteria. It prohibits certain regulations for these centers and outlines the services they must provide, including medical and psychological support. The bill also mandates that law enforcement officers take children into custody if they believe the child is at risk of harm or needs stabilization, emphasizing the child's safety. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of Children and Families to establish electronic communication for reporting potential abuse or neglect cases, ensuring timely responses.

Key amendments include the removal of the definition of "behavioral health crisis," which reflects a shift in addressing such situations within the juvenile justice system. The bill streamlines procedures for handling runaway children and those in protective custody, allowing for immediate access to care without prior written authorization from community mental health centers. It establishes a framework for temporary custody orders, requiring probable cause for removal and timely hearings. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes community-based services and collaboration among agencies, while also introducing a statewide detention risk assessment tool to guide juvenile detention decisions. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the welfare of children in custody and improve the efficiency of the juvenile justice system.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 38-2202, 38-2231, 72-3120, 38-2232, 38-2242, 38-2243, 38-2302, 38-2330, 65-536, 72-6287, 65-2892, 65-2892a, 75-52, 75-7023