Idaho Lawmakers Approve Update To Child Behavioral Health Rules

On January 10, 2017, the Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee approved rule changes to strengthen a community approach to the state's behavioral health treatment for children. The rule changes allow the state to continue implementing the four-decade old Jeff D. class-action lawsuit against the state for substandard care to children with mental illness.

The rule changes allow the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) to develop individualized treatment plans for children and their families, and also offer options for "alternative placement" in foster homes, group homes, or treatment facilities if the need arises. The proposal was . . .