Timely Mental Health for Foster Youth Act

To amend subpart 1 of part B of title IV of the Social Security Act to ensure that mental health screenings and assessments are provided to children and youth upon entry into foster care. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Timely Mental Health for Foster Youth Act 2. Timely mental health screenings and assessments for children and youth upon entry into foster care (a) State plan requirement Section 422(b)(15)(A) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 622(b)(15)(A) (1) in clause (i), by inserting and that require that an initial mental health screening of any child in foster care be completed not later than 30 days after the date the child enters into foster care and, in the case of any child in foster care for whom a mental health issue is identified in such initial screening, that a comprehensive assessment of the mental health of the child be completed not later than 60 days after the date the child enters into foster care (2) in clause (ii), by striking screenings such screenings and assessments (b) Technical amendment Section 422(b)(15)(A) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 622(b)(15)(A) provides provide (c) Effective date (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2020. (2) Delay permitted if state legislation required In the case of a State plan approved under subpart 1 of part B of title IV of the Social Security Act which the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines requires State legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds) in order for the plan to meet the additional requirements imposed by this section, the State plan shall not be regarded as failing to comply with the requirements of such subpart solely on the basis of the failure of the plan to meet such additional requirements before the first day of the first calendar quarter beginning after the close of the first regular session of the State legislature that begins after the date of enactment of this section. For purposes of the previous sentence, in the case of a State that has a 2-year legislative session, each year of such session shall be deemed to be a separate regular session of the State legislature. 3. Technical assistance to States The Administration for Children and Families and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services shall provide technical assistance to States on how to comply with the amendments made by section 2(a) of this Act. The Administration for Children and Families and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services should consult with other relevant Federal agencies on the development of the technical assistance, which should take into account evidence-based best practices.

Summary: Timely Mental Health for Foster Youth Act This bill requires an initial mental health screening within 30 days after a child enters foster care. In the case of a child for whom a mental health issue is identified in such initial screening, a comprehensive assessment of the child's mental health must be completed within 60 days after the child's entry into foster care. The Department of Health and Human Services must provide technical assistance for states to implement this requirement.