The proposed bill would update current statutes by mandating the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to establish a minimum number of licensed foster homes tailored to meet the diverse needs of children in care, including those with developmental disabilities and behavioral issues. DCS would be required to annually estimate the necessary number of homes and implement a recruitment campaign, while also being prohibited from reducing this minimum until the next fiscal year's estimate is complete. Additionally, the bill introduces new reporting requirements for DCS to provide annual updates on progress and challenges related to these goals.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing regulations concerning the care and placement of foster children. It introduces new members with personal experience in foster care to the Foster Youth Permanency Project Team and allows for contracts with nonprofit organizations specializing in permanency for at-risk youth. The bill also defines key terms related to foster care, mandates the development of medication management policies for licensed group homes, and prohibits licensed behavioral health facilities from denying placement to foster children needing medication management. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the support and resources available for foster children, improve their chances of achieving permanency, and ensure greater transparency and accountability within the foster care system.

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