The proposed bill seeks to update current statutes related to kinship foster care by expanding the definition of eligible caregivers to include extended family members. This change mandates that the Department of Child Safety (DCS) actively involve these extended family members in all investigations and proceedings for identifying suitable kinship placements. Additionally, the bill requires DCS to submit reports to the court every 30 days for a minimum of six months regarding their efforts to locate kinship placements, thereby enhancing oversight in the placement process. Moreover, the bill modifies the rights of foster children by specifying that a child's right to be placed with or near siblings and to maintain contact with family members applies when such arrangements do not pose safety risks. It also removes the previous definition of "the best interest of the child" and requires the court to order placement with a kinship caregiver within 48 hours of an initial dependency hearing if it is in the child's best interest. These updates aim to strengthen the kinship care framework, ensuring that extended family members are considered in the care and placement of children under DCS custody, while promoting stability and support for children in care.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-501, 8-514.03, 8-514.07, 8-529, 8-801, 8-824, 8-842, 8-509, 36-593.01, 8-821, 8-806, 8-521.01, 41-1750, 92-544, 13-705, 8-548, 8-521.02, 41-1376, 8-845, 8-823, 8-481, 8-841
House Engrossed Version: 8-501, 8-514.03, 8-514.07, 8-529, 8-801, 8-824, 8-842, 8-509, 36-593.01, 8-821, 8-806, 8-521.01, 41-1750, 92-544, 13-705, 8-548, 8-521.02, 41-1376, 8-845, 8-823, 8-481, 8-841
Senate Engrossed Version: 8-501, 8-514.03, 8-514.07, 8-529, 8-801, 8-824, 8-842, 8-509, 36-593.01, 8-821, 8-806, 8-521.01, 41-1750, 92-544, 8-548, 8-521.02, 41-1376, 8-845, 8-823, 8-481, 8-841