The proposed bill would amend current statutes by explicitly prohibiting the Department of Child Safety (DCS) from refusing to place a child in a foster home or with a kinship foster care parent based solely on the vaccination status of the child or other children in the home, provided that the foster home or kinship foster care parent is licensed and qualified for the placement. This insertion aims to ensure that vaccination status does not become a barrier to child placement in foster care settings.

Additionally, the bill would update the language in the existing statutes to clarify that this prohibition applies equally to both foster homes and kinship foster care homes. The current law already includes provisions regarding the placement of children with kinship foster care parents, but the bill would enhance these provisions by explicitly stating the vaccination status cannot be the sole reason for refusal of placement. Overall, the bill seeks to promote more inclusive practices in child welfare and placement decisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-514
House Engrossed Version: 8-514, 8-514.03, 8-514.01