Children and Youth; pilot program provision for screenings, clinical evaluations, training for autism spectrum disorder to children in foster care; establish

New autism screenings for Georgia foster children

The law creates a five-year autism pilot for Georgia children in foster care, subject to available state funding. Georgia's Division of Family and Children Services must develop and run the program. It provides screenings and clinical evaluations to diagnose autism and develop treatment plans. It starts in three regional service areas in year one, then expands in later years until all areas are included. When feasible, priority goes to children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or reactive attachment disorder, or prescribed psychotropic medicines. The program also provides autism training, services, and resources for agency leaders and staff, healthcare providers, and caregivers. Caregivers include parents, legal guardians, foster parents, and kinship caregivers; some or all support can be delivered online. The division must plan expansion, improve caregiver communication, ensure enough medical consultants, and provide technical help and dedicated staff. After one year of operation, reports are due annually by July 1 to the Governor, legislative leaders, and designated committees. Reports must assess results and recommend ongoing services and integration into agency operations. The law's pilot provisions expire on July 1 of the year after the final report is submitted.