The proposed bill would update current statutes regarding kinship foster care placements by expanding the definition of eligible caregivers to include extended family members. This change mandates the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to involve these extended family members in all investigations and proceedings for identifying suitable kinship placements for children in temporary custody. Additionally, the bill would replace the existing language that prioritizes placement with relatives, emphasizing instead placement with adult relatives, extended family members, or significant others, unless contrary to the child's best interest. The bill also introduces procedural updates, such as requiring the court to presume that placement with an adult relative or extended family member is in the child's best interest during preliminary protective hearings. It mandates documentation of findings of fact and conclusions of law, affirms a child's right to appropriate care based on the judgment of their adult relatives, and ensures children are informed about DCS's placement efforts. Other provisions include the requirement for rights to be posted in group foster homes and the department's obligation to conduct thorough searches for adult relatives and extended family members, enhancing clarity and specificity in child placement processes and rights. Overall, these updates aim to strengthen family connections and improve the welfare of children in the foster care system.

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, 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, 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
Chaptered 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