41-2815. Individual treatment plan; diagnostic assessment; placement

A. The department shall develop for each committed youth an individual treatment plan based on a diagnostic psychological evaluation and educational assessment received from the court pursuant to section 8-341 or performed by the department. The individual treatment plan shall take into consideration the public safety and other factors that are relevant to the youth's treatment, rehabilitation and education.

B. The diagnostic assessment that is required by subsection A of this section shall be conducted under the supervision of a psychologist licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 19.1. The written evaluation shall include:

1. The reason for the referral.

2. Relevant medical findings.

3. A description of the tests and screening devices that are administered and the results.

4. An assessment of the youth's intellectual functioning and levels of achievement, including a neuropsychological screening and, if applicable, a diagnostic statistical manual-IIIR diagnosis and psychoeducational diagnosis.

5. The developmental, social and educational histories of the youth.

6. An analysis of the youth's problematic behavior, including a description of the behavior, its frequency and duration, any aggravating or mitigating circumstances and the likelihood that the problematic behavior will recur, and an analysis of related factors.

7. An assessment of the youth's family system, including the ability of the family to supervise the youth and support positive behavior in the youth. The evaluation may recommend the types of services needed to strengthen the family's ability to supervise and support the youth.

8. An assessment of the youth's strengths and skills especially those related to changing the problematic behavior.

9. Specific recommendations regarding the level and type of services and supervision that would address the youth's problematic behavior and educational deficiencies, if any.

C. Based on the youth's individual treatment plan, the department shall assign each committed youth to an appropriate educational program in a secure care facility or other placement. The department shall establish or contract for secure care facilities and residential and nonresidential community placements and programs.