Texas Senate Bill SB1197

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to establishing a local behavioral health intervention pilot project.

Impact

The bill is designed to enhance coordination among various state and local agencies, improving the delivery of behavioral health services. By formalizing agreements between multiple organizations that work with children, SB1197 is intended to fill gaps in service provision and streamline access to care. This is particularly significant for at-risk children who might otherwise face barriers to receiving necessary interventions. The proposed project also anticipates the collection of data to measure effectiveness and efficiency, ultimately guiding future policy and legislative efforts in the area of child mental health care.

Summary

Senate Bill 1197 proposes the establishment of a local behavioral health intervention pilot project, specifically targeting children in Bexar County. The bill mandates the Department of State Health Services to collaborate with local mental health authorities, educational agencies, and family service bodies to create a framework for delivering early intervention behavioral health services. This comprehensive plan aims to identify children at risk of needing alternative behavioral management and connect them with services to support their mental health needs effectively.

Contention

While the bill aims to facilitate better health outcomes for children, potential points of contention may arise regarding the sharing of personal information among agencies involved. The provision for information sharing with parental consent raises questions about privacy and confidentiality, which will likely be scrutinized by advocates concerned with child rights and data protection. Moreover, the pilot’s success hinges on sufficient funding and resources, prompting discussions on budget allocations and the sustainability of such initiatives beyond the initial pilot phase.