DCFS-MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES House SponsorsRep. James H. Meyer-Elizabeth Coulson-Eileen Lyons-Patricia Reid Lindner-Patricia R. Bellock and Angelo Saviano 1/11/2005HouseSession Sine Die 20 ILCS 505/5.25 new Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that every child placed under the Act shall be evaluated for the purpose of mental illness diagnosis. Provides that every child with a diagnosis of mental illness shall receive the necessary mental health services. Provides that no later than January 1, 2005, the Department of Children and Family Services shall file a proposal addressing the implementation of mental health services. Provides that the Department shall provide or arrange for the training of staff responsible for the oversight of childcare agencies or facilities. Requires that the child be placed in or near the community in which the child resided prior to the placement or in the community in which the child's family or nearest next of kin presently reside. Provides that prior to any placement, a determination shall be made as to the capability and suitability of the program, facility, or home to adequately meet the needs of the child being placed and to ensure that an appropriate training plan for staff is provided. Provides that all children must be visited by trained personnel at least once during the first month following placement and once every month thereafter. Provides that upon a complaint or a discovery of abuse, neglect, improper care, or inadequate care, the Department shall immediately investigate and remove the child. Provides for the independent expert evaluation of every child with a primary or secondary diagnosis of mental illness residing in every program, facility, or home licensed under the Child Care Act or receiving State funds for certain services. Provides that the Department shall prepare an assessment of each mental health community service network and complete all required individual and network assessments by January 1, 2006. Effective immediately. 2/2/2004HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. James H. Meyer 2/2/2004HouseFirst Reading 2/2/2004HouseReferred to Rules Committee 2/11/2004HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Elizabeth Coulson 2/11/2004HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Eileen Lyons 2/11/2004HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Patricia Reid Lindner 2/11/2004HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Patricia R. Bellock 2/11/2004HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Angelo Saviano 2/19/2004HouseAssigned to Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness Committee 3/4/2004HouseRule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee 1/11/2005HouseSession Sine Die