SCS/SB 1003 - This act establishes a comprehensive children's mental health service system.

SECTION 208.152 - Child serving agencies within the comprehensive children's mental health service system are included under the provision of mental health services for the payment of Medicaid benefits.

SECTION 208.204 - By judicial review or family support meetings, the Children's Division must determine which child custody cases only need mental health services. Within sixty days, individualized service plans must be developed to identify which agencies will supply the appropriate services to the child. These plans will be submitted to the court for approval and the child's family may actively participate in the plan. Children in need of only mental health services may be returned to the family's custody. Services shall be provided in the least restrictive environment. The Department of Mental Health shall bill the Department of Social Services for the appropriate moneys for the care of these children.

SECTION 630.097 - The Department of Mental Health, in partnership with all of the Departments represented on the Children's Services Commission, must develop a comprehensive children's mental health service system. This system will include a "Comprehensive System Management Team". The Department of Mental Health, along with all of the Departments from the Children's Services Commission, must develop a plan detailing outcomes, changes in population and progress to be submitted to the House, Senate and Governor by December 31, 2004.

SECTION 630.210 - The standard means test for children in need of mental health services shall be waived to avoid custody transfers to the Children's Division. The Department of Mental Health is responsible for notifying parents that the standard means test may be waived.
LORIE TOWE