The bill enhances the responsibilities of the Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board and establishes a new "Problematic Sexual Behavior Program" with an appropriation of $8.5 million. It amends existing legislation by replacing the certification program for child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams with an annual progress review program to ensure compliance with accreditation standards set by the National Children's Alliance. Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions, including "problematic sexual behavior," which refers to inappropriate sexual actions by youth under 18, and establishes a subcommittee to oversee the statewide response to these behaviors.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the board to develop a comprehensive plan for evaluating the effectiveness of child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams, while also specifying the composition and duties of the newly formed Problematic Sexual Behavior Subcommittee, which will include various stakeholders such as care management organizations and law enforcement. The legislation also increases the board's membership from 10 to 13 and introduces the "Child Treatment Assistance Fund," managed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), to cover medical and mental health services for youth affected by problematic sexual behavior. Overall, the bill aims to create a coordinated statewide response to address the needs of youth engaged in or impacted by such behavior, ensuring they receive appropriate services and support.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9:6-8.107, 9:6-8.108, 9:6-8.109, 9:6-8.110, 9:6-8.111, 9:6-8.113