DCFS-MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that every child placed under that Act with a diagnosis of mental illness shall receive the necessary mental health services. Provides that no later than January 1, 2004, the Department of Children and Family Services shall file a proposal addressing the implementation of mental health services. Provides that the Department shall provide or arrange for the training of staff responsible for the oversight of childcare agencies or facilities. Requires that the child be placed in or near the community in which the child resided prior to the placement or in the community in which the child's family or nearest next of kin presently reside. Provides that prior to any placement, a determination shall be made as to the capability and suitability of the program, facility, or home to adequately meet the needs of the child being placed and to ensure that an appropriate training plan for staff is provided. Provides that all children must be visited by trained personnel at least once during the first month following placement and once every month thereafter. Provides that upon a complaint or a discovery of abuse, neglect, improper care, or inadequate care, the Department shall immediately investigate and remove the child. Provides for the independent expert evaluation of every child with a primary or secondary diagnosis of mental illness residing in every program, facility, or home licensed under the Child Care Act or receiving State funds for certain services. Provides that the Department shall prepare an assessment of each mental health community service network and complete all required individual and network assessments by January 1, 2005.