MEASURE TO IMPROVE CARE OF CHILDREN IN STATE CUSTODY RECEIVES PUBLIC HEARING
Senator Gratwick’s bill would ensure timely health assessments of children entering state custody
AUGUSTA – Today, Democratic Senator Geoff Gratwick of Bangor introduced legislation to require comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral assessments for children entering state custody as a result of abuse or neglect.
“An interrupted childhood has a widespread impact, putting a child at greater risk for lifelong struggles with health issues, substance abuse, poverty, and mental illness,” said Senator Gratwick. “We need to interrupt this cycle as early in life as possible with the best interventions possible.”
Sen. Gratwick of Bangor
Children entering foster care are at risk for numerous health problems due to the abuse or neglect they experienced. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Child and Family Services frames treatment and placement of foster children based on these needs and challenges.
The Pediatric Rapid Evaluation Program (PREP) is an initial comprehensive screening of a child’s state of health. This assessment provides the information needed by the Department of Health and Human Services to place children in homes and ensure they are receiving the appropriate care.
Current law requires a physical examination within 10 working days of a child entering state custody and a comprehensive PREP assessment within 30 days only if recommended during the physical examination. Senator Gratwick’s bill would shorten the timeframe for the physical examination to 3 days and require a comprehensive assessment within 30 days.
A 2012 study by the Muskie School of Public Service found that children who were given a comprehensive PREP assessment were less likely to be placed in residential treatment programs (PNMIs) or to have general or psychiatric hospital stays and were less likely to be on prescription medications than their non-PREP peers. They were more likely to have seen a physician and to have received early interventions such as speech and occupational therapy. The cost associated with the care of children who had access to PREP assessments was also reduced.
“We know that using this assessment results in better outcomes for kids and has the additional benefit of significant cost reduction for their care. Why wouldn’t we increase its use?” added Senator Gratwick.
Senator Gratwick was joined by pediatricians, social workers, and former foster children who offered testimony in support of the bill. (Testimony will be posted here later in the day.)
The Health and Human Services Committee will hold a work session on LD 213, “An Act to Ensure the Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Behavioral Assessment of Children Entering State Custody,” later this session.
###