HB1872: DCFS-YOUTH IN CARE-MENTAL HLTH

Legislative Summary

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that, no later than 45 days after a youth in care is removed from the youth's home and placed in the temporary custody or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services, and every year thereafter, a youth in care shall receive mental health prevention and wellness screenings unless the youth in care is (1) less than 6 months of age; (2) 12 years of age or older and does not consent to receiving mental health services; or (3) already being treated by a mental health clinician. Provides that, if the required screening results in a recommendation of mental health care for the youth, the youth's caseworker shall coordinate the delivery of mental health care and related services recommended for the youth. Specifies that, if the youth in care is covered under the State's Medicaid managed care program, the managed care plan shall ensure that the youth has access to a mental health provider who will begin serving the youth within 30 days after receipt of the referral from the screening and who satisfies certain availability and proximity requirements. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to ensure that any managed care plan that is in effect, amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026 will require managed care organizations to meet these obligations if the managed care plan serves youth in care under the State's Medicaid managed care program. Specifies that any mental health care and related services provided to the youth shall be in addition to any other care or services the youth receives from the youth's primary care provider. Grants the Department of Children and Family Services rulemaking powers to implement these provisions, including the power to adopt rules to promote a holistic and proactive approach to the provision of mental health care for youth in care. Defines "mental health and wellness screening".