Child welfare services: case plans: behavioral health services.

Existing law requires a county social worker to create a case plan for foster youth within a specified timeframe after the child is introduced into the foster care system. Existing law requires the case plan to be developed considering the recommendations of the child and family team according to specified requirements, including, among others, a requirement that the child be involved in developing the case plan as age and developmentally appropriate. This bill would also require, for a child who has been assessed as needing behavioral health services, the case plan to include a summary or copy of the treatment plan developed for the child, or, if the treatment plan has not yet been finalized, the case plan to indicate that fact and be updated at the next regular court hearing after the treatment plan has been finalized. By imposing this duty on county social workers, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.