(Juneau) - The Senate Majority will take up legislation this week to enhance children's services.

On Monday, the Senate Health, Education & Social Services Committee will consider three bills sponsored by Senator Lyda Green (R-Wasilla).

"Each of these bills will directly impact children by bringing them more comprehensive and cost effective services," Sen. Green said.

Senate Bill 285 will address the need for increased support services for at-risk families as identified in the 2003 Program Improvement Plan from the Office of Children's Services. Targeted case management services will no longer be limited to substance abuse, chronic mental illness, and severely emotionally disturbed children. The bill will guarantee funding that will allow children subjected to abuse and neglect to receive case management services for medical, social, educational and psychological needs.

The passage of SB 285 will also allow school districts to be reimbursed as Medicaid providers for rehabilitative services.

Senate Bill 288 reinforces the need for judges to seriously consider removing a child from home. Passage of the bill will secure an estimated $500,000 in federal funds next year by aligning state and federal law.

Senate Bill 289 will extend the Special Education Service Agency. The Legislature created the agency to assist schools and infant learning programs that serve children with severe disabilities such as autism, visual impairment, hearing impairment, mental retardation, and significant physical or emotional disabilities.

The agency currently enables remote districts and communities that do not have local specialists to meet the needs of local children with disabilities by employing professionals with various specializations. As the state's force of specialists decreases and the prevalence of severe disabilities increases, this bill will ensure that children can continue to receive these services in their home communities.

On Wednesday, the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee is scheduled to consider Senate Bill 269, another of Senator Green's bills.

Senate Bill 269 will clarify parents' rights to access their child's records at public libraries as well as at public school libraries. This legislation will allow parents to continue to ensure their children are protected.

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