CORVALLIS — Governor Kate Brown ceremonially signed Senate Bill 1 today, which establishes a statewide System of Care Advisory Council, at the Corvallis Boys and Girls Club. Paired with state investments into children’s behavioral health services, the legislation creates a better support system for Oregon’s most vulnerable children and families.
The bill, a top priority for the Governor, Senate President Peter Courtney, and Chief Justice Martha Walters, was the result of over 18 months of hard work by the Children with Youth and Specialized Needs Workgroup.
“Oregon’s system of care has been overburdened,” said Governor Brown. “Now, by taking steps towards creating a more coordinated system, we can begin to get families the help they need sooner so they can stay together, and ensure that children and youth with specialized needs receive care in appropriate treatment settings.”
Investments for Oregon’s children and youth passed this session include:
- $6.7 million in SB 1 to launch a statewide System of Care Advisory Council and establish interdisciplinary assessment teams to ensure appropriate services and placements for children with specialized needs
- $6.6 million to create and expand access to intensive in-home behavioral health treatment for children
- $3.07 million to expand crisis and transition services to additional hospitals to increase family stability over time and decrease the likelihood of emergency department visits and youth suicide
- $3.17 million to expand access to school based mental health services in counties that currently do not have school-based health centers
- $6.83 million for the Youth Suicide Prevention and Intervention Plan
- $4 million to support implementation of the federal Family First Prevention Services Act for non-Medicaid in-home services
- $3.5 million for therapeutic foster care for children with multiple, complex needs
- $4.8 million to fund the development of Host Homes for children with intellectual or developmental disabilities, providing enhanced care for about 140 youth
