Chapter 413

2016 -- H 8369 Enacted 07/12/2016

A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

Introduced By: Representative Eileen S. Naughton

Date Introduced: June 18, 2016

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 42-72 of the General Laws entitled "Department of Children,

Youth and Families" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following sections:

42-72-36.1. System reform and rebalancing goal. -- On or before October 1, 2016, the

department of children, youth, and families shall begin to implement a strategy to transition from

reliance on congregate-care placements to greater use of foster homes with community-based

services for children and families. Said strategy shall ensure quality outcomes, performance

measures, and incentives that promote service excellence and improve the system's overall

stability by reinvesting the benefits that accrue from the more efficient and effective utilization of

congregate care, foster homes, and community-based services. Attaining systemwide reform of

the magnitude set forth herein shall require rebalancing the system by making significant changes

in the organization, financing, and delivery of services that must be implemented incrementally.

42-72-36.2. Recommendations as to allocation of resources. -- On or before October 1,

2016, the department of children, youth, and families shall recommend the allocation of existing

resources as needed to ensure that those children in need of residential care, including foster

homes and support services, receive them in the least-restrictive setting appropriate to their needs.

The department is hereby authorized to utilize screening criteria to avoid unnecessary,

congregate-care placements of children.

42-72-36.3. Reporting. -- Annual reports showing progress in residential-care system

reform and rebalancing shall be submitted by April 1, 2017, and annually thereafter on or before

April 1 of each year by the department to the finance committees of both the senate and the house

of representatives and shall include:

(1) The number of congregate-care placements and associated funds;

(2) The number of foster-care placements and associated funds;

(3) The percentage of screenings completed within thirty (30) days of placement;

(4) Recommendations to promote the expansion of foster homes and community-based

service capacity, including payment methodology reforms, that increase access to foster homes

and community-based services; and

(5) Recommendations for options to pay for certain services and supports necessary to

transition or divert children from restrictive settings and optimize their health and safety when

receiving care in a home or the community.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC006249

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