Sen. Baldacci introduces bill to support families with children with behavioral health needs

AUGUSTA – On March 24, Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, introduced LD 791, “An Act Regarding Children with Behavioral Health Needs Awaiting Placement in Residential Care Facilities,” to the Joint standing Committee on Health and Human Services.

“There needs to be more support in Maine for children who have high levels of behavioral health needs,” said Sen. Baldacci. “The lack of behavioral health resources worsens difficulties for Maine families and their children. We need to be doing our part to support these families and ensure that they have the resources and guidance that they and their children to succeed.”

LD 791 requires the Department of Health and Human Services to reimburse hospitals for care for children who, under the MaineCare program, are awaiting placement in a children’s residential care facility. The bill also requires that the Department develops three crisis centers for children and adolescents with high behavioral health needs who are awaiting placement in a residential care facility. The department must also develop or come into an agreement with a vendor for a psychiatric residential facility by April 1, 2025.

LD 791 awaits further action in committee.