Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-540-R1

Redraft EHS 540

High Acuity Kids in DCF Care

Ms. Kennedy and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4800-0041, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the department of children and families, in coordination with the office of the child advocate, shall develop and implement a plan for a pilot program to use evidence-based program models in department of children and families congregate care provider programs for youth that are in the department’s care and who: (i) are experiencing an intensive behavioral or a behavioral and medical crisis; (ii) are being housed in emergency departments or inpatient units; and (iii) cannot safely receive treatment in the existing congregate programs; provided further, that the plan for the pilot program shall detail: (a) the proposed structure, size and scope of the proposed program; (b) any statutory or logistical challenges for implementation of the proposed program; and (c) a funding plan for the proposed program, including a breakdown of potential costs; provided further, that not later than September 30, 2024, the department shall issue a report on the design and implementation of the program to the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, the house and senate committees on ways and means, the executive office for administration and finance, the executive office of health and human services and the office of the child advocate”.