2016 Legislative Mandates and Initiatives

Review of Virginia's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program

During the 2016 General Assembly Session, Senator Barbara Favola introduced Senate Joint Resolution 95.  The resolution directed the Commission on Youth to (i) evaluate the Department of Social Services' administration of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program and identify the amount of and reasoning for unused TANF funds; (ii) determine whether TANF funds are being used for the intended purposes of the TANF Program or whether such funds are being diverted to other programs or non-TANF purposes; (iii) determine whether and how TANF funds can be better used to stabilize families economically, help provide educational opportunities, and provide parenting classes and identify other support services that could be made available through TANF funding to strengthen families; and (iv) consult with all relevant stakeholders.

 The House Committee on Rules laid this legislation on the table but requested the Commission on Youth to study the provisions set forth in the legislation and to report findings and recommendations prior to the 2017 General Assembly session. 

Study Plan  

Virginia's Adoption Home Study Process

During the 2016 General Assembly Session, Delegate Christopher Peace introduced House Joint Resolution 103.  The resolution directed the Commission on Youth to study the adoption home study process, including (i) the current mutual family assessment home study format and curriculum; (ii) the process by which home studies are completed by staff of local departments of social services and licensed private child-placing agencies; and (iii) the potential benefits of implementation of a uniform home study format established by the Department of Social Services for all home studies completed in the Commonwealth.

 The House Committee on Rules laid this legislation on the table but requested the Commission on Youth to study the provisions set forth in the legislation and to report findings and recommendations prior to the 2017 General Assembly session.

Study Plan  

The Use of Segregation in Virginia’s Juvenile Detention Homes and Correctional Centers

During the 2016 General Assembly Session, Senator Favola introduced Senate Bill 215.  The substitute version of SB 215 requires the Board of Juvenile Justice to promulgate regulations on the use of room segregation in juvenile detention homes and juvenile correctional facilities that (i) include relevant definitions, criteria for use of room segregation, frequency of required room checks, training requirements for staff, and follow-up requirements after using room segregation; (ii) allow the use of room segregation only when other less restrictive options have been exhausted and for certain purposes; (iii) allow the use of room segregation only for the minimum amount of time required to address the resident's behavior; (iv) provide to the resident a means of communication with staff during room segregation; (v) specify that if a resident in room segregation exhibits self-injurious behavior, when and under what conditions staff shall consult with a mental health professional; and (vi) detail the circumstances under which the director of the juvenile detention home or juvenile correctional facility shall develop a plan for improved behavioral outcomes for the resident.

 The House Courts of Justice Committee reviewed this legislation and it was laid on the table.  The Commission on Youth received a letter from the Chair of the House Courts of Justice Committee requesting a review of the bill and the concept it addresses and to make recommendations prior to the 2017 General Assembly Session.

Study Plan  

Collection of Evidence-Based Practices for Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Treatment Needs

SJR 358 (2003) directed the Commission on Youth to update biennially its publication, the Collection of Evidence-based Practices for Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Treatment Needs (Collection). The purpose of the Collection is to identify effective treatment modalities for children, including juvenile offenders, with mental health treatment needs. Moreover, utilization of evidence-based practices in the field of children's mental health promotes better patient outcomes and may offer the Commonwealth some cost savings.

 The American Psychiatric Association (APA) had made several significant changes to the categorization of disorders included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which will affect the upcoming edition of the Collection. The Commission will need to make significant revisions to the 5th Edition to incorporate these changes.

Study Plan