OLR Bill Analysis

sSB 879

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

SUMMARY:

This bill transfers staff positions, associated resources, and licensing authority from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to the Department of Public Health (DPH) for most contractors who provide services to DCF-involved families and families in DCF's voluntary services program. DCF retains the authority to license foster families (presumably, foster parents), and the facilities DCF operates which remain unlicensed: the Children's Place; the Connecticut Juvenile Training School; High Meadows; Riverview Hospital; and the Wilderness School. The bill also allows DCF to place children without a license; currently only a parent, adult relative, or guardian may do so.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2010

AFFECTED PROVIDERS

The bill transfers to DPH licensing authority for the following types of providers who provide services under contract with DCF:

1. psychiatric clinics;

2. child guidance clinics, which are licensed only if they are affiliated with a licensed psychiatric facility;

3. residential treatment facilities;

4. child-care facilities (group homes);

5. extended day treatment facilities;

6. substance abuse providers (currently licensed by both DCF and DPH);

7. children's homes (which appears to be an obsolete term);

8. temporary shelters; and

9. permanent family residences.

Any existing DCF regulations for these providers remain in place until superseded by law.

BACKGROUND

Legislative History

The Human Services Committee voted out a substitute that moves childcare facilities licensing from DCF to DPH and allows DCF to continue licensing foster homes.

On April 22 the Senate referred the bill (File 527) to the Appropriation Committee, which eliminated licensing of home based treatment programs and licensure of the five facilities DCF operates. It also eliminated protocols for children admitted to Riverview Hospital.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Select Committee on Children

Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference

Yea

11

Nay

0

(03/03/2009)

Human Services Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference

Yea

12

Nay

6

(03/12/2009)

Public Health Committee

Joint Favorable

Yea

22

Nay

8

(03/23/2009)

Appropriations Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute

Yea

39

Nay

10

(04/27/2009)