Resolve providing for an investigation and study by a special commission relative to children and adolescents with intensive behavioral health needs

This bill establishes a special commission to investigate how Massachusetts currently handles children and adolescents with severe behavioral health needs that existing hospital or community programs cannot address. The commission will be made up of 23 members, including government officials, healthcare representatives, and community advocates, with a specific focus on gathering diverse perspectives from families and different geographic areas. Its primary task is to create demographic profiles of these youths, identify barriers to care, review current treatment models, and examine ways to keep children out of the juvenile court system. The group must complete its work and submit a final report with recommendations to state lawmakers and relevant committees by January 1, 2024.