The proposed bill would update current statutes related to kinship foster care placements by expanding the definition of eligible caregivers to include extended family members. Specifically, it would require that extended family members be considered in all investigations and proceedings when identifying a kinship foster care placement for a child in the temporary custody of the Department of Child Safety (DCS). This change aims to ensure that placements are made in the best interest of the child, presuming that placement with a kinship caregiver is favorable. Additionally, the bill would modify existing rights and procedures for foster children by replacing the current requirement for placement with a relative with a broader right to be placed with an adult relative, extended family member, or significant person in the child's life, unless such placement is not in the child's best interest. Moreover, the bill mandates that DCS conduct due diligence in identifying and notifying adult relatives, extended family members, and significant persons within thirty days of a child's temporary custody and requires written documentation of these efforts. It also emphasizes the presumption that placement with an adult relative, extended family member, or significant person is in the child's best interest, which is a new insertion in the law. The bill further specifies that the court must order placement with an adult relative or extended family member if such a placement is available and deemed in the child's best interest, thereby reinforcing the importance of family connections in child welfare decisions.

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