Q&A
Discussion of Intro 652 and existing mental health services for children after foster care
1:27:42
·
98 sec
Council Member Menin questions the characterization of Intro 652 as redundant, and Commissioner Dannhauser clarifies the existing mental health services for children returning from foster care.
- Explanation of current Medicaid-funded services provided by foster care providers
- Discussion of the duration and types of services available after leaving foster care
- Acknowledgment of flaws in the current Medicaid funding system
- Emphasis on strengthening the existing system rather than creating a new one
Julie Menin
1:27:42
The other question I have on the testimony is for DOHMH.
1:27:45
You testified that regarding intro 652, you wrote, This legislation is redundant of existing services provided and facilitated by ACS.
1:27:56
That's surprising to me.
1:27:57
Why do you feel that it's redundant, and can you be very specific about why?
Jess Dannhauser
1:28:01
Yeah.
1:28:02
I don't know if redundant's the right word.
1:28:03
That, that that wasn't we this is essential.
1:28:08
The providers the foster care providers outside of ACS receive Medicaid dollars from the state to provide services to children while they're in care.
1:28:18
So the the established article 29 I clinics, young people are receiving therapy through that while in care.
1:28:27
That can continue for a year after.
1:28:30
They also can some of the providers have article 28 clinics, and they can continue to provide therapy, beyond that beyond that year.
1:28:38
During that year, they're also responsible for navigating families to the appropriate services that are necessary.
1:28:45
So it's essential that it happen.
1:28:48
There are flaws in in the Medicaid funding for that.
1:28:52
What we'd like to see is just to have a conversation about the best way we can strengthen that system rather than creating a new system.
1:29:00
There there needs to be additional supports here.
1:29:03
We're working with Northwell as an example to get young people who are leaving foster care access to their full suite of services.
1:29:11
And a lot of the work that the Fair Futures coaches also do is connecting young people.
1:29:16
In this instance of reunification, there is a service.
1:29:19
We just wanna strengthen it.
