The proposed bill amends Section 42-72-5 of the General Laws, enhancing the responsibilities of the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) in overseeing and administering behavioral health services for children. Key insertions include a focus on developing a comprehensive statewide program that emphasizes prevention and intervention strategies for child welfare, behavioral health, disabilities, and youth development. The bill establishes a new framework for service delivery that is child-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive, while deleting the previous mandate for delivering appropriate mental health services to seriously emotionally disturbed children and those with functional developmental disabilities. Additionally, it mandates collaboration with the state Medicaid agency to ensure compliance with the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) provisions.

The bill also outlines the director's powers, including the establishment of administrative divisions and the coordination of community resources, while introducing a structured hiring process for social caseworkers and child protective investigators. This process includes candidate screening, civil service examinations, and in-person interviews to ensure a diverse hiring panel. Furthermore, the bill requires the director to submit an interim report by March 15, 2024, detailing the outcomes of the hiring process. Overall, the legislation aims to create a more integrated and responsive system of care for children, ensuring that transition planning for those aged 18 to 21 receiving child welfare services begins at least twelve months prior to their twenty-first birthday.