The proposed bill would update current statutes 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. This includes annual reporting on progress towards these goals and obstacles encountered. The bill also emphasizes the importance of kinship placements and introduces new definitions related to foster care, such as "congregate care" and "medically complex child." Additionally, it expands the Foster Youth Permanency Project Team's membership to include individuals with personal experience in foster care and allows for contracting with nonprofit organizations that have a proven track record in achieving permanency for at-risk youth.

Moreover, the bill modifies existing requirements for group foster homes, allowing for the development of policies regarding medication administration rather than requiring trained staff for each specific medication. It prohibits licensed behavioral health facilities from denying placement to foster children under certain conditions and mandates documentation of any refusals. The bill also ensures that financial statements from child welfare agencies are public records, enhancing transparency in the licensing process. Overall, these updates aim to improve the foster care system's responsiveness and effectiveness in meeting the needs of children.

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