The proposed bill would significantly update current statutes regarding kinship foster care placements by expanding the definition of eligible caregivers to include extended family members. It mandates the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to actively involve extended family members in all investigations and proceedings related to kinship placements, replacing the existing language that merely promotes such involvement. Additionally, the bill introduces procedural updates, such as requiring DCS to file reports every 30 days on efforts to locate kinship placements and establishing the right for children to be placed with or near siblings. It also modifies the criteria for determining the best interest of the child, prioritizing placements with relatives unless safety concerns arise, and removes legal language that limits the rights of foster children.

Moreover, the bill defines "extended family member" and modifies existing definitions to reflect a broader understanding of familial connections. It mandates DCS to prioritize placements with relatives or extended family members when a child is removed from their home and enhances procedural requirements for notifying adult relatives about a child's temporary custody. The bill stipulates that it constitutes an abuse of judicial discretion if the court fails to order placement with a relative or extended family member when such a placement is available and in the child's best interest. Overall, these updates aim to strengthen kinship care and ensure that children are placed in supportive environments that maintain their emotional and familial ties.

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