The proposed bill seeks to update current statutes related to kinship foster care placements by expanding the definition of eligible caregivers to include extended family members, which will require the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to involve these individuals in all investigations and proceedings for identifying suitable placements. Additionally, the bill mandates DCS to file reports with the court every 30 days for at least six months regarding ongoing efforts to locate kinship placements, thereby enhancing oversight and accountability 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 defines "extended family member" as a grandparent or an adult with a biological connection to the child. These changes aim to strengthen the kinship care framework, ensuring that children are placed in environments that prioritize familial connections while maintaining their safety and well-being.

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