On Thursday, Governor Doug Ducey signed HB2442 – “Jacob’s Law” – to ensure easier, better access to behavioral health care for Arizona foster kids and families. Rep. Eddie Farnsworth’s bill was cosponsored by reps. Alston, Benally, Brophy Mcgee, Fernandez, Mach, Mccune Davis, Meyer, Otondo, Petersen, Rios, Saldate, Hobbs, Bowers, Friese, Norgaard, and Townsend.
The bill passed in unanimous votes in both chambers.
The bill establishes deadlines for a Regional Behavioral Health Authority to provide behavioral health services to foster and adoptive children.
Foster moms Anika Robinson, Susan Woodruff and Angela Teachout worked tirelessly to win support for the legislation.
Jacob is Woodruff’s 17-year-old adopted son, who has special needs and mental illness due to the 10 years of severe trauma and abuse.