CHILDREN-TECH

Added eligibility for publicly funded services for minors placed in custody specifically because they were left at a psychiatric hospital beyond medical necessity.

Mandated a court hearing within 14 days of notification to determine if a minor should be returned to their parent or remain in state custody.

Clarified that the state agency becomes fiscally responsible for providing services if the court returns the minor to the parent with approved services.

Required courts to consider specific factors, including the least restrictive placement option and the parent's involvement in treatment, before returning a child.

Changed the bill's focus from the Early Education Act to the Juvenile Court Act to address child welfare and custody issues.

Added specific exemptions where the new rules do not apply, such as cases involving abuse allegations or perpetrators who abused the child within the last 5 years.