S2482.01T

To repeal section 210.861, RSMo Supp. 1995, relating to the community services children's fund, and to enact one new section relating to the same subject.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri, as follows:

Section A. Section 210.861, RSMo Supp. 1995, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 210.861, to read as follows:

210.861. 1. When the tax prescribed by section 210.860 is established, the governing body of the county shall appoint a board of directors consisting of nine members, who shall be residents of the county. All board members shall be appointed to serve for a term of three years, except that of the first board appointed, three members shall be appointed for one-year terms, three members for two-year terms and three members for three-year terms. Board members may be reappointed. In a city not within a county, or in a county of the first classification with a charter form of government and a population of at least two hundred thousand that adjoins a county of the first classification with a charter form of government and a population of at least nine hundred thousand, the members of the community mental health board of trustees appointed pursuant to the provisions of sections 205.975 to 205.990, RSMo, shall be the board members for the community children's services fund. The directors shall not receive compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses.

2. The board shall elect a chairman, vice chairman, treasurer, and such other officers as it deems necessary for its membership. Before taking office, the treasurer shall furnish a surety bond, in an amount to be determined and in a form to be approved by the board, for the faithful performance of his duties and faithful accounting of all moneys that may come into his hands. The treasurer shall enter into the surety bond with a surety company authorized to do business in Missouri, and the cost of such bond shall be paid by the board of directors. The board shall administer all funds generated pursuant to section 210.860 in a manner consistent with this section.

3. The board may contract with public or not for profit agencies licensed or certified where appropriate to provide qualified services and may place conditions on the use of such funds. The board shall reserve the right to audit the expenditure of any and all funds. The board and any agency with which the board contracts may establish eligibility standards for the use of such funds and the receipt of services. No member of the board shall serve on the governing body, have any financial interest in, or be employed by any agency which is a recipient of funds generated pursuant to section 210.860.

4. Revenues collected and deposited in the community children's services fund may be expended for the purchase of the following services:

(1) Up to thirty days of temporary shelter for abused, neglected, runaway, homeless or emotionally disturbed youth; respite care services; and services to unwed mothers;

(2) Outpatient chemical dependency and psychiatric treatment programs; counseling and related services as a part of transitional living programs; home-based and community-based family intervention programs; unmarried parent services; crisis intervention services, inclusive of telephone hotlines; and prevention programs which promote healthy lifestyles among children and youth and strengthen families;

(3) Individual, group, or family professional counseling and therapy services; psychological evaluations; and mental health screenings.

5. Revenues collected and deposited in the community children's services fund may not be expended for inpatient medical, psychiatric, and chemical dependency services, or for transportation services.