The bill amends Section 42-72-5.2 of the General Laws concerning the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to establish a comprehensive continuum of care for children's behavioral health services. It mandates cooperation between DCYF and the Department of Human Services (DHS) to design and implement this continuum, which emphasizes alternative psychiatric services to hospitalization. The departments are required to submit a detailed report to the governor and the General Assembly by February 1, 2006, outlining the plan for implementation, including resource needs, responsibilities, milestones, and evaluation metrics. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for managing psychiatric hospitalizations through contractual agreements with RIte Care health plans and a request for proposals for managing these services for Medicaid-eligible children.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a public policy that designates DCYF as the chief state agency responsible for all matters related to children's behavioral health. This includes the authority to contract with necessary agencies to provide and implement these services. The changes aim to enhance the quality and accessibility of behavioral health services for children and families in the state. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5452: 42-72-5.2