Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.
Impact
The START program will facilitate a range of services, including on-site and remote crisis response and stabilization services available 24/7. It aims to optimize the independence of eligible adults by incorporating person-centered and evidence-based practices, along with fostering partnerships across various community, regional, and statewide entities. This could significantly change the landscape of mental health and disability support services in New Jersey by establishing community-based care options that are more responsive to individual needs, especially in times of crisis.
Summary
Assembly Bill A1792 requires the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish a five-year pilot program known as START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resource, and Treatment) that aims to provide coordinated services to eligible adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness. The program's dual objectives are to enhance the well-being of these individuals by facilitating their capacity to live independently in the community and to prevent institutionalization, as well as to provide therapeutic respites to those experiencing or at risk of crises. This initiative is to be implemented within 180 days following the bill's effective date.
Contention
Despite the potential benefits, the program may face challenges concerning the integration of services, securing adequate resources, and establishing sufficient facilities like therapeutic respite homes across different regions in New Jersey. Each designated facility must provide specific bed allocations to cater to individuals not in crisis as well as those actively experiencing a crisis, which may lead to logistical and operational concerns. Furthermore, there may be scrutiny regarding the efficacy and accountability measures outlined, as the Commissioner of Human Services is mandated to submit annual reports assessing the program's effectiveness, culminating in one final report at the program's conclusion to determine its future viability.
Carry Over
Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.
Carry Over
Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.
Same As
Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.