Connecticut Senate Bill SB00812

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/17
• Refer: 2/15/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Mental, Emotional And Behavioral Health Services For Children.

Impact

The impact of this bill on state laws includes the establishment of a structured and collaborative framework for addressing children's mental health. Effective July 1, 2017, the bill will amend existing statutes to require the development of strategies that are preventive-focused, ensuring access to appropriate services, and enhancing data collection to monitor progress in mental health care delivery. The goal is to mitigate the long-term negative impacts of mental health issues on children, potentially influencing related policies in healthcare and education.

Summary

SB00812, titled 'An Act Concerning Mental, Emotional And Behavioral Health Services For Children', focuses on improving mental health services for children and aims to develop an implementation plan to address their mental, emotional, and behavioral health needs. The bill mandates collaboration between the Commissioner of Children and Families and various state departments, including Public Health and Mental Health and Addiction Services, as well as community representatives and advocates. This collaborative approach is intended to create a comprehensive framework that prioritizes early interventions and community engagement.

Contention

Notably, the approach of the bill has sparked discussions around state versus local responsibilities in mental health care. While proponents argue that centralized strategies can lead to more effective and consistent mental health services, critics may express concern about how this centralization could overlook local specificities and needs. Furthermore, the emphasis on data-driven quality assurance strategies raises questions about privacy and consent, especially concerning sensitive health information of minors.