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The Alaska Legislature approved new legislation to ensure greater oversight for Alaska youth in psychiatric facilities, including increased protections for foster youth.
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One bill would shorten the deadline for foster youth to receive court hearings after being institutionalized and another would increase reporting requirements for youth in psychiatric institutions, among other provisions.
Lawmakers approved a bill that would shorten the deadline for court hearings for foster youth from 30 days to seven days of being admitted, following high-profile news reports, lawsuits and federal investigations around foster youth languishing for weeks, or even years, in psychiatric facilities. The bill requires youth to have a court appointed attorney, and to have subsequent case reviews by the court every 30 days.
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The Alaska House passed House Bill 36 unanimously last year, and the Senate approved the proposal on Saturday by a vote of 19 to 1, with Sen. Rob Yundt, R-Wasilla absent. The bill now moves to Gov. Mike Dunleavy for consideration.
Sen. Forrest Dunbar, D-Anchorage, sponsored the legislation in the Senate and called the legislation part of an effort to address a dark chapter in Alaska history.
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