The bill proposes to continue the Arizona Foster Care Review Board (FCRB) until July 1, 2028, with a repeal set for January 1, 2029. The FCRB's role is to advise juvenile courts on achieving permanent homes for children in dependency cases and out-of-home care. The bill includes a new requirement for the State Board to create an annual report detailing instances of failure to submit timely reports to juvenile courts, progress in increasing parent and foster parent attendance at local board reviews, and instances of failure to enter data accurately and on time into the State Board data system. This report must be submitted to various state officials and committees by November 1 each year.

The bill also includes technical and conforming changes, such as updating the terms "chairman" and "vice-chairman" to "chairperson" and "vice chairperson," respectively. Additionally, the bill specifies that the State Board should meet not less than twice annually and outlines the employment and compensation of personnel necessary to carry out the duties of the State Board and local boards. The bill is retroactive to July 1, 2024, and becomes effective on the general effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-3024.30, 41-3028.04
Senate Engrossed Version: 8-515.04, 41-3024.30, 41-3028.04, 38-611
Chaptered Version: 8-515.04, 41-3024.30, 41-3028.04, 38-611