The House Health and Human Services Committee in Denver, CO, has passed bipartisan legislation to support children and youth in the foster care system who have complex behavioral health care needs. The bill, which passed by a vote of 12-1, aims to address the current shortage of treatment beds for these vulnerable individuals.
According to Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, “Children and youth with complex behavioral health needs deserve access to quality health care, but our current shortage of treatment beds has placed youth in hospitals and hotels where they aren’t receiving appropriate treatment. We’re creating a system of care that boosts the availability of residential child care settings who can successfully treat these youth and increases payments to fund more residential treatment centers and beds. By strengthening Colorado’s resources, we can ensure our youth have access to the quality behavioral health care they need, when they need it.”
The bill, HB24-1038, also sponsored by Representative Brandi Bradley, R-Roxborough, outlines a new system of care designed for youth and children with complex behavioral health needs who are in foster care, or at risk of out-of-home placement. It would require state agencies to create a care plan that includes the implementation of a standardized assessment tool, intensive-care coordination, expanded supportive services, and expanded access to treatment in foster care.
The legislation aims to make it easier for youth with complex behavioral health needs to receive the care they need, when they need it. In order to meet the needs of foster youth, the bill creates a training academy to develop high-quality residential child care providers who will ensure effective, safe, and responsible care. The legislation also requires the state to monitor quality standards for residential child care providers at all levels of care.
This bill originated from the Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee and was unanimously approved by the committee in October 2023.
The passing of this legislation represents a crucial step towards addressing the significant challenges faced by children and youth with complex behavioral health needs in the foster care system. It demonstrates a bipartisan effort to improve the quality of care and access to necessary services for some of the most vulnerable individuals in Colorado. This development signifies a positive change in the state’s approach to supporting those in foster care with complex behavioral health needs.
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