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SB 402

Children and Youth; pilot program provision for screenings, clinical evaluations, training for autism spectrum disorder to children in foster care; establish

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Anavitarte and 18 co-sponsors

Georgia establishes pilot program providing autism spectrum disorder screenings and clinical evaluations for children in foster care to improve early identification and access to treatment services.

Effective Date
#socialservices
0
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Bill Summary · SB 402

Legislative bill overview

SB 402 establishes a pilot program in Georgia to provide autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screenings, clinical evaluations, and training for children in foster care. The bill creates a structured initiative to identify and diagnose autism in this vulnerable population, which historically receives limited diagnostic services. It designates specific resources and processes for implementing these screening and evaluation services across the foster care system.

Why is this important

Children in foster care experience higher rates of developmental disabilities, including autism, but often lack access to early identification and diagnostic services due to system fragmentation and resource constraints. Early detection of ASD enables children to receive critical interventions, educational accommodations, and support services that significantly improve developmental outcomes. Establishing a pilot program creates data and evidence about effective implementation models that could inform broader policy on health screening in child welfare systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Program cost and funding: The bill's fiscal impact on the state budget and whether proposed funding mechanisms are sufficient to serve all eligible foster children
  • Implementation responsibility: Clarity on which agencies (Department of Human Services, Department of Education, health departments) will lead and coordinate the program, and potential turf conflicts
  • Screening vs. diagnosis standards: Questions about whether screenings should lead to full clinical evaluations for all children or only those showing preliminary indicators, affecting both costs and access

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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