An Act ensuring access to behavioral health services for children involved with state agencies

This bill expands access to behavioral health services for children involved with state agencies in Massachusetts by clarifying the Department of Mental Health's role in providing specialized care and allowing it to offer non-mental health services to the Department of Developmental Services. It requires the creation of a model emergency response plan for group care settings that prioritizes behavioral health interventions and limits police involvement to situations involving imminent danger. Additionally, the legislation ensures that children in foster care can return to their living arrangements after medical or behavioral leaves, provided they are stable and the facility has the capacity to care for them.