(Amended (as amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 790, Sec. 77) by Stats. 2024, Ch. 948, Sec. 54.)

(a) It is the intent of this article to establish programs that ensure services will be provided to children with serious emotional disturbance, as defined in Section 5878.2 and that they be part of the children’s system of care established pursuant to this part. It is the intent of this act that services provided under this chapter to severely mentally ill children are accountable, developed in partnership with youth and their families, culturally competent, and individualized to the strengths and needs of each child and their family.

(b) This act does not authorize any services to be provided to a minor without the consent of the child’s parent or legal guardian beyond those already authorized by existing statute.

(c) If amendments to the Mental Health Services Act are approved by the voters at the March 5, 2024, statewide primary election, this section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2026, and as of January 1, 2027, is repealed.