The bill amends Section 42-72-5.2 of the General Laws concerning the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to establish a continuum of children's behavioral health programs. It mandates cooperation between DCYF and the Department of Human Services (DHS) to develop and implement this continuum, which aims to enhance the provision of behavioral health services for children. The bill specifies that it is the public policy of the state that DCYF be the chief agency responsible for all matters related to children's behavioral health, including the authority to contract with necessary agencies to provide and implement these services. The act is set to take effect upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
5452: 42-72-5.2