Senator John Steinbeck introduces legislative reform for parents of mentally ill children

Senate Bill 372, aimed at protecting parents of children with behavioral health issues, took center stage during a recent meeting of the Nevada Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. Senator John Steinbeck introduced the bill, inspired by Arizona's Jacob's Law, highlighting the urgent need for a framework that supports families grappling with complex mental health challenges.

Steinbeck emphasized that current Nevada law does not adequately address the struggles parents face when seeking mental health care for their children. He pointed out that parents often find themselves accused of neglect when they attempt to admit their children to mental health facilities, or when they take in children with significant behavioral health needs. "We need to ensure they can access that help for the well-being of the children," he stated.

Kim Surratt, a family law attorney with over two decades of experience, echoed these concerns. She described the heartbreaking situations families endure, where the system often misinterprets their efforts to seek treatment as neglect. "It's a vicious cycle," Surratt explained, detailing cases where parents are forced to take home children who pose a danger to themselves or others, only to face scrutiny from social services.

The bill aims to clarify that seeking treatment for behavioral health issues should not be grounds for neglect allegations. Surratt noted that this legislation is just a small step towards addressing a much larger issue, calling for more comprehensive support for families and children in need.

Kimberly and Rain Alexander, who shared their personal struggles with their son’s severe mental health challenges, provided a poignant testimony. They recounted their desperate attempts to secure treatment, only to be met with accusations of neglect when they could not safely bring their son home after treatment. "We fear for our lives and what he will do in the community," Kimberly Alexander said, highlighting the dire need for legal protections for parents in similar situations.

As the committee deliberates on Senate Bill 372, the discussions underscore a critical gap in Nevada's mental health care system and the urgent need for legislative action to protect vulnerable families. The bill's passage could mark a significant step forward in ensuring that parents are supported rather than penalized for seeking necessary care for their children.