The proposed bill aims to update current statutes related to the foster care system by mandating the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to establish a minimum number of licensed foster homes that cater to the specific needs of children, such as those with developmental disabilities or behavioral health issues. It requires DCS to conduct annual estimates and implement a recruitment campaign to meet these needs, along with specific reporting requirements on progress and challenges. The bill also emphasizes the importance of kinship placements and introduces new definitions for terms like "congregate care" and "medically complex child," enhancing clarity in the foster care framework.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing requirements for group foster homes regarding medication administration, allowing for the development of policies rather than requiring trained staff for each medication. It prohibits licensed behavioral health facilities from denying placement to foster children under certain conditions and mandates that financial statements from child welfare agencies be public records. By removing outdated provisions and clarifying responsibilities, the bill seeks to improve the overall welfare and support of children in the foster care system, ensuring that their needs are met effectively while promoting transparency and collaboration among agencies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-469.02, 8-509, 8-509.02, 8-526, 8-530.08, 8-521.02, 8-503, 41-1758.07, 8-515.03, 13-3623.01, 8-516, 8-530.04, 8-201
Senate Engrossed Version: 8-469.02, 8-505, 8-509, 8-509.02, 8-526, 8-530.08, 36-425.06, 36-550.05, 8-521.02, 39-121.01, 8-503, 41-1758.07, 8-515.03, 13-3623.01, 8-516, 8-530.04, 8-201, 36-550.09, 13-4521
House Engrossed Version: 8-469.02, 8-505, 8-509, 8-509.02, 8-526, 8-530.08, 36-418.01, 36-550.05, 8-521.02, 39-121.01, 8-503, 41-1758.07, 8-515.03, 13-3623.01, 8-516, 8-530.04, 8-201
Chaptered Version: 8-469.02, 8-505, 8-509, 8-509.02, 8-526, 8-530.08, 36-418.01, 36-550.05, 8-521.02, 39-121.01, 8-503, 41-1758.07, 8-515.03, 13-3623.01, 8-516, 8-530.04, 8-201