OLR Bill Analysis

sHB 6352

AN ACT CONCERNING OVERSIGHT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.

SUMMARY:

The bill prevents any newborn child still in the hospital from being removed from a parent's custody before a hearing is held. The court can commit a newborn to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) only after establishing through clear and convincing evidence that the child is uncared-for or neglected or has parents or guardians who are financially unable to provide care.

The bill requires DCF to seek certification for High Meadows and Connecticut Children's Place in order to receive federal reimbursement under Medicaid. By January 1, 2010, it requires the DCF commissioner to submit a written report to the Appropriations and Human Services committees about the status of certification.

High Meadows is a residential treatment facility for severely emotionally disturbed adolescents who require intensive and comprehensive services. The Connecticut Children's Place is a 54-bed residential diagnostic center for children and youth age,s 10 to 18, who need protection due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, unmanageable behavior, or sudden disruption in their current placement or residence.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2009

COMMITTEE ACTION

Human Services Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute