The bill aims to address the growing mental health challenges faced by young children in Rhode Island, particularly those under the age of six. It recognizes the need for responsive and nurturing relationships for positive mental health development and highlights the alarming increase in young children enrolled in Medicaid presenting with Serious Emotional Disturbance, which rose from 10% in 2017 to 22% in 2024. To combat these issues, the bill proposes the establishment of an early childhood mental health hub program, which will be funded as a pilot for a minimum of three years. This hub will focus on improving access to mental health services, training professionals, maintaining a registry of qualified clinicians, and monitoring service availability and advancements in interventions.

The new legal language introduced in the bill includes the creation of Section 27-38.2-7, which outlines the responsibilities of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) in developing a budget and seeking funding for the hub. The hub will prioritize training clinicians in evidence-based therapies, conducting appropriate mental health screenings, and promoting equitable access to services. Additionally, it aims to serve as a community resource for families and health professionals to connect with effective therapeutic services. The bill does not specify any deletions from current law. It is set to take effect upon passage.