TITLE 16

JUVENILE PROCEEDINGS

CHAPTER 24

CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

16-2424.  Provision of treatment. (1) Every child subject to an involuntary treatment order under this chapter shall be provided with appropriate treatment in accordance with the least restrictive alternative principle that offers him a realistic prospect of improvement. Children shall be afforded treatment in facilities that conform to the applicable rules of the department, and that are able to adequately care for and treat the persons they serve.

(2)  A written individual treatment plan shall be prepared, with the participation of the child (to the extent he is able), his family and any other persons of his choice, during voluntary admission or emergency psychiatric evaluation or, within seven (7) days of the signing of an order for involuntary treatment. The individual treatment plan shall be approved by the responsible physician, and the course of treatment actually administered shall conform to the plan.

(3)  The child’s progress in attaining the objectives in the treatment plan shall be noted in his records, and the revisions to the plan shall be made as necessary. The child and the child’s parent, custodian, or guardian shall be afforded an opportunity to participate in any substantial revision of the treatment plan.

(4)  A copy of the individual treatment plan shall be given to the child, his parents and to any other person designated by him, provided that the responsible physician may preclude disclosure of the individual treatment plan to the child if he states in writing why disclosure would be harmful to the child.

History:

[16-2424, added 1997, ch. 404, sec. 1, p. 1294.]