BILL NUMBER: AB 2524	CHAPTERED  07/19/00

	CHAPTER   140
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE   JULY 19, 2000
	APPROVED BY GOVERNOR   JULY 19, 2000
	PASSED THE SENATE   JUNE 29, 2000
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY   MAY 30, 2000
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY   MAY 1, 2000

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Washington

                        FEBRUARY 24, 2000

   An act to amend Section 5696.5 of the Welfare and Institutions
Code, relating to emotionally disturbed minors.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 2524, Washington.  Emotionally disturbed minors:  services.
   Existing law, the Bronzan-McCorquodale Act, generally regulates
the provision of community mental health services for the mentally
disordered in every county.  The existing act authorizes the
establishment of regional, secure facilities which are designed for
the commitment and ongoing treatment of seriously emotionally
disturbed minors who have been adjudged wards of the juvenile court.
Among other things, the act sets forth staffing requirements for the
opening of one of these regional facilities, including requiring
that the staff include a pediatrician and dentist, on an as-needed
basis.
   This bill would revise the staffing requirements for a regional
facility by adding a licensed marriage and family therapist to the
staffing requirements, on an as-needed basis, and would make other
nonsubstantive changes.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  Section 5696.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
   5696.5.  Prior to the opening of a facility, the board of
directors shall establish written program standards and policies and
procedures, approved by the Department of the Youth Authority that
address and include, but are not limited to, the following:
   (a) A staffing number and pattern that meets the special behavior,
supervision, treatment, health, and educational needs of the
population described in this chapter.  Staff shall be qualified to
provide intensive treatment and services and shall include, at a
minimum:
   (1) A project or clinical director, a psychiatrist or,
psychologist, a social worker, a registered nurse, and a recreation
or occupational therapist.
   (2) A pediatrician, a dentist, and a licensed marriage and family
therapist, on an as-needed basis.
   (3) Educational staff in sufficient number and with the
qualifications needed to meet the population served.
   (4) Child care staff in sufficient numbers and with the
qualifications needed to meet the special needs of the population.
   (b) Programming to meet the needs of all wards admitted,
including, but not limited to, all of the following:
   (1) Physical examinations on admission and ongoing health care.
   (2) Appropriate and closely monitored use of all behavioral
management techniques.
   (3) The establishment of written, individual treatment and
educational plans and goals for each ward within 10 days of admission
and which are updated at least quarterly.
   (4) Written discharge planning that addresses each ward's
continued treatment, educational, and supervision needs.
   (5) Regular, written progress records regarding the care and
treatment of each ward.
   (6) Regular and structured treatment of all wards, including, but
not limited to, individual, group and family therapy, psychological
testing, medication, and occupational, or recreational therapy.
   (7) Access to neurological testing and laboratory work as needed.

   (8) The opportunity for regular family contact and involvement.
   (9) A periodic review of the continued need for treatment within
the facility.
   (10) Educational programming, including special education as
needed.