SB 5279 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

     Declares an intent of the legislature that children in the custody of the department of social and health services be provided the most appropriate possible mental health care consistent with the child's best interests, medical need for mental health treatment, available state and community resources, family reconciliation, and professional standards of medical care.

     Intends that no placement of minors for mental health treatment under this act be made on any other basis and that consideration always be given to treatment in the least restrictive manner.

     Provides that, not later than December 1st of each year, the secretary shall provide the governor and legislature a report setting forth:  (1) The number of minor children under the jurisdiction of the department who have been placed in mental health inpatient treatment;

     (2) the facilities that received minor children for treatment;

     (3) the number of minor children treated at each facility; and

     (4) the number of inpatient treatment days provided at each facility for each child.