BILL NUMBER: S8043
SPONSOR: BYNOE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to direct the commissioner of mental health to conduct a study of
child- and youth-targeted mobile crisis outreach teams
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To conduct a study of child- and youth-targeted mobile crisis outreach
in order to learn more about the specific needs of children and youth in
mental health crisis and how state resources can be used to assist them.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 provides definitions. Section 2 outlines the study. The
commissioner of mental health shall conduct a study on child- and youth-
targeted mobile crisis outreach teams. The study will include, but is
not limited to: reviewing the current landscape of child- and youth-tar-
get mobile crisis outreach in New York, identifying gaps, analyzing
challenges in implementation of child- and youth-targeted mobile crisis
outreach teams and identifying solutions, and making recommendations for
best practices and implementation guidance.
Section 3. requires the commissioner to report to legislative leader-
ship and the governor on the findings no later than one year after this
act's effective date. Section 4 provides for an immediate effective
date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Mobile crisis outreach teams are deployed in the community to assist
individuals experiencing emotional and behavioral crisis situations and
their families by providing face-to-face crisis intervention services,
clinical assessment, supportive counseling, and information and refer-
rals. Mobile crisis response fills an important healthcare gap for chil-
dren and youth in particular. Mobile response can result in fewer emer-
gency room visits, more compassionate treatment, access to services
regardless of insurance, better attendance at school, and fewer arrests
at school.
Broad consensus exists that mobile response programs are appropriate and
helpful for children and youth. Yet, we do not know enough about the
landscape of child- and youth-targeted mobile crisis outreach in New
York State. This bill will mandate a study that includes identifying
gaps and challenges for child-and youth-targeted mobile crisis outreach
and making recommendations for best practices and implementation. With
the results, our state will be better equipped to serve the needs of
children and youth experiencing mental health crises.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A8015 - reported referred to ways and means
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.