The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to child welfare by introducing new requirements for petitions to terminate parental rights or determine child dependency. Specifically, it would require that such petitions include a notarized affidavit from the petitioner confirming full disclosure and an exchange of all relevant information held by the Department of Child Safety (DCS). This affidavit must detail the information disclosed, the dates of disclosure, and the methods of delivery for the disclosed information. Additionally, the bill modifies existing procedures by mandating that the court order DCS to file a report within six months of the dependency adjudication hearing, which must indicate the child's current dependency status and provide documentation of any changes.

Current law allows the DCS or interested parties to file dependency petitions but does not require the detailed affidavit or the subsequent report from DCS. The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the child welfare process by ensuring that all parties have access to pertinent information and that the court is kept informed of any changes in a child's dependency status. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen the legal framework surrounding child welfare cases by incorporating these new disclosure and reporting requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-533, 8-841, 8-844, 8-106, 8-106.01, 8-806, 13-1406, 13-1401, 8-455, 8-846, 95-608, 8-804
House Engrossed Version: 8-533, 8-841, 8-844, 8-106, 8-106.01, 8-806, 13-1406, 13-1401, 8-455, 8-846, 95-608, 8-804