Short-term residential therapeutic programs: postdischarge plan.

Existing law requires a county probation agency to prepare a case plan for minor wards placed in foster care, and requires a county social worker to create a case plan for foster youth. Existing law requires the case plan to include prescribed components, including, among other things, a description of the type of home or institution in which the minor or child is to be placed, and the reasons for that placement decision. If a short-term residential therapeutic program placement is selected for a minor or child, existing law requires the case plan to indicate the needs of the minor or child that necessitate this placement, the plan for transitioning the minor or child to a less restrictive environment, and the projected timeline by which the minor or child will be transitioned to a less restrictive environment. This bill would, prior to discharge from a short-term residential therapeutic program, require the case plan to include a postdischarge plan for the provision of services and supports for the minor and their placement family for at least 6 months after discharge that considers and identifies resources for the minor's mental health needs, wraparound services, and peer supports, among other things. The bill would require the probation agency or county social worker to develop the plan in consultation with the child and family team and the clinical staff of the short-term residential therapeutic program, and would prohibit extension of the placement at a short-term residential therapeutic program if the sole reason for the extension is the development of the postdischarge plan. By imposing additional duties on county officials, the 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.