This bill amends various sections of Alaska law to improve the treatment and placement of children in state custody, with a particular focus on treatment foster homes and psychiatric care facilities. It introduces the term "treatment foster home" and establishes eligibility for medical assistance under AS 47.07.020, while also requiring ongoing trauma-informed care training for licensed foster parents. The bill modifies the criteria for placing children in residential psychiatric treatment centers by removing the term "secure" and creates a new section for short-term psychiatric care in hospitals, ensuring that children receive appropriate treatment with necessary court oversight.

Additionally, the bill mandates annual reporting by the Department of Family and Community Services on child welfare metrics, including the number of children placed in out-of-state psychiatric facilities. It emphasizes the importance of less restrictive treatment alternatives and requires notification to relevant parties when a child is hospitalized for psychiatric care. The bill also revises court procedures for appointing attorneys for children in need of aid, particularly for those aged 12 and older under specific circumstances. Furthermore, it allows the Department of Health to seek federal approval for amendments to the state Medicaid plan to facilitate these changes, with certain sections of the bill becoming effective only upon federal approval.

Statutes affected:
HB0036A, AM HB 36, introduced 01/10/2025: 47.10.087, 47.30.915, 47.10.080, 47.10.142, 47.14.112, 18.05.020
HB0036B, AM SCS HB 36(HSS), introduced 05/14/2025: 47.10.087, 47.10.080, 47.10.142, 47.30.915, 47.32.900, 47.14.112, 18.05.020, 47.10.990
HB0036C, AM SCS HB 36(JUD), introduced 05/16/2025: 12.62.400, 47.05.310, 47.32.010, 25.20.025, 18.16.010, 14.30.174, 47.30.915, 47.07.020, 47.32.900, U.S.C, 25.23.190, 25.23.210, 47.10.084, 25.20.028, 47.10.087, 47.10.080, 47.10.142, 47.10.990, 47.12.150, 47.14.010, 47.14.110, 47.14.112, 18.05.020, 47.14.115, 47.14.900, 47.32.032, 47.10.141, 47.10.105
HB0036D, AM SCS HB 36(FIN), introduced 05/13/2026: 12.62.400, 47.05.310, 47.32.010, 47.07.020, 47.32.900, U.S.C, 25.23.190, 25.23.210, 47.10.087, 47.10.080, 47.10.142, 47.30.915, 47.10.990, 47.14.010, 47.14.110, 47.14.112, 18.05.020, 47.14.115, 47.14.900, 47.32.032, 47.10.141, 47.10.105
HB0036Z, AM Enrolled HB 36, introduced 05/17/2026: 12.62.400, 47.05.310, 47.32.010, 47.07.020, 47.32.900, U.S.C, 25.23.190, 25.23.210, 47.10.087, 47.10.080, 47.10.142, 47.30.915, 47.10.990, 47.14.010, 47.14.110, 47.14.112, 18.05.020, 47.14.115, 47.14.990, 47.32.032, 47.10.141, 47.10.105