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HB 943

Social services; establish a pilot program for autism spectrum disorder to children in foster care; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sharon Cooper and 4 co-sponsors

Georgia establishes an autism spectrum disorder pilot program providing diagnosis and treatment services to foster care children, addressing service gaps in this vulnerable population.

Act 477
#health #socialservices
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Bill Summary · HB 943

Legislative bill overview

HB 943 establishes a pilot program in Georgia to provide specialized autism spectrum disorder (ASD) services and supports to children in foster care. The bill aims to identify, diagnose, and treat autism in this vulnerable population, which often faces barriers to accessing comprehensive mental health and developmental services. The program would coordinate resources across state agencies to ensure foster children with ASD receive appropriate interventions and support.

Why is this important

Children in foster care experience higher rates of developmental and behavioral health challenges, including autism, yet frequently lack access to timely diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention for ASD significantly improves long-term outcomes in communication, behavior, and independence. This pilot could serve as a model for improving health equity in the foster care system while reducing long-term costs associated with untreated developmental disabilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism: The bill's fiscal impact and whether existing agency budgets will be redirected or new appropriations required remains unclear from available information
  • Implementation capacity: Uncertainty about whether Georgia's foster care and health systems have sufficient trained providers to deliver specialized ASD services statewide
  • Program scope and duration: Questions about which regions the pilot will cover, how long it will run, and what metrics determine success or expansion

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

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