Sec. 1. Contract for autism services. The Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services shall contract with the Maine chapter of the Autism Society of America to provide services to persons with autism. The contract must include training for trainers who will then train persons around the State and respond to the needs of families and individuals seeking services or assistance. The contract must include attendance at national Autism Society of America workshops and training sessions, conferences and courses. The contract must include the provision of services to schools, group homes, employers, law enforcement agencies, health care professionals, transition programs, social service organizations and service groups.

Sec. 2. Appropriation. The following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.

2001-02 2002-03

MENTAL HEALTH, MENTAL RETARDATION

AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES,

DEPARTMENT OF

Mental Retardation

All Other $30,000 $30,000

Provides funds for training for trainers; training for persons around the State; attendance at workshops and conferences; and services to schools, group homes, employers, law enforcement agencies, health care professionals, transition programs, social service organizations and service groups.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services to contract for autism services with the Maine chapter of the Autism Society of America. It specifies that the contracted services must include