OLR Bill Analysis

sSB 879

AN ACT CONCERNING REORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.

SUMMARY:

This bill transfers licensing authority from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to the Department of Public Health (DPH) for most contractors who provide services to DCF-involved families and families in DCF's voluntary services program. It also requires DPH, by January 1, 2010, to license the facilities DCF operates: the Children's Place; the Connecticut Juvenile Training School; High Meadows; Riverview Hospital; and the Wilderness School, which are not currently licensed. DCF retains the authority to license foster families (presumably, foster parents).

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2010

AFFECTED PROVIDERS

The bill transfers to DPH licensing authority for the following types of providers who provide services under contract with DCF:

1. psychiatric clinics;

2. child guidance clinics and home-based treatment programs, which are currently considered licensed only if they are affiliated with a licensed psychiatric facility;

3. residential treatment facilities;

4. child-care facilities (group homes);

5. extended day treatment facilities;

6. substance abuse providers (currently licensed by both DCF and DPH);

7. children's homes (which appears to be an obsolete term);

8. temporary shelters; and

9. permanent family residences.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Select Committee on Children

Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference

Yea

11

Nay

0

(03/03/2009)

Human Services Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference

Yea

12

Nay

6

(03/12/2009)

Public Health Committee

Joint Favorable

Yea

22

Nay

8

(03/23/2009)