This bill amends various sections of Alaska's laws regarding the placement of children in need of aid, adoption processes, and foster care licensing. Key provisions include the requirement for the Department of Family and Community Services to provide advance notice to relevant parties before a nonemergency transfer of a child, allowing foster parents who have cared for a child for at least 18 months to request a hearing to oppose such transfers. The bill also mandates that the department conduct a diligent search for suitable placements with adult family members or friends when a child is removed from their home, and it outlines the rights of foster parents to access medical records of the children in their care.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that specifies the procedures for conducting a diligent search for potential placements, including interviewing family members and utilizing available databases. It emphasizes the importance of considering the best interests of the child in placement decisions and provides guidelines for the approval of adult family members seeking to adopt. The bill also clarifies that poverty or inadequate housing cannot be used as prima facie evidence against placing a child with a family member or friend. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB0088A, AM SB 88, introduced 02/05/2025: 47.10.080, 47.10.145, 47.10.084, 47.10.088, 47.10.142, 47.14.100, 47.32.030, 47.32.032
SB0088B, AM CSSB 88(HSS), introduced 04/09/2025: 47.10.080, 47.10.145, 47.10.084, 47.10.088, 47.10.142, 47.14.100, 47.32.030, 47.32.032