This bill amends Section 42-72-5 of the General Laws to specify the powers and scope of activities of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). It establishes the DCYF as the principal agency of the state to plan, develop, and evaluate a comprehensive program of services for children. The bill also requires the DCYF to notify and cooperate with state and local police departments when investigating a complaint of sexual assault on a minor. It establishes a committee to advise the entity conducting comprehensive needs assessments of the DCYF's child welfare, juvenile justice, and children's behavioral health services. The assessments will be conducted every two years and will determine whether the department's programs and services meet the needs of children and families in its care.

This bill gives the DCYF the authority to establish specific goals for the maximum number of children who will remain in foster care for more than two years. It allows the DCYF to conduct seminars to educate children about sexual abuse and establish fee schedules for adoption services. The bill also gives the DCYF responsibility for the education of children placed in state-operated or supported community residences and the delivery of mental health services to emotionally disturbed children and children with developmental disabilities. It defines "seriously emotionally disturbed child" and "functional developmental disability" and requires the department to develop a program of mental health services for seriously emotionally disturbed children. The bill provides funding for services for children between the ages of 18 and 21 and requires transition planning for children who will receive services from the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals after the age of 21.

Statutes affected:
6435: 42-72-5