This section of the Implementation Plan has four goals: (1) "each child in the custody of DCFS shall have an initial physical and mental health screening within 30 days of entry into care"; (2) "plans to meet the special needs of children in the custody of DCFS will be included in child's ISSP"; (3) "children in the custody of DCFS shall receive timely, accessible, individualized and appropriate mental health assessments and treatment by qualified mental health professionals consistent with the child's best interest"; (4) "continuity of treatment providers will be maintained, except when it is not in the best interest of the child."  To see all the Outcomes, Benchmarks, and Action Steps in this section, go to pp.19-34 of the Implementation Plan.

Sample Benchmarks

Comprehensive mental health assessments for children already in placement will be provided within 30 days of a request for an assessment (95% for 07)

Children will receive recommended services from a qualified mental health and/or substance abuse service provider within 30 days of the completion of an assessment recommending services (95% for 07)

Sample Action Steps

The Department will ensure that the health and education plan for each child is updated at least every 6 months. Changes in the plans will be discussed/shared with caregivers and birth parents (by end of 06).

The Department will ensure that birth parents, foster parents, extended family, pre-adoptive parents, tribal reps, and children’s reps will be invited to participate in planning and decision-making regarding mental health and/or substance use services for their children (by end of 06).