The bill, Senate General Assembly File No. 505, Substitute Senate Bill No. 359, concerns services provided by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to relatives of a person whose death was caused by intimate partner violence. The bill requires the DCF commissioner to assign an intimate partner violence specialist to any case involving an intimate partner homicide of a child's parent. The specialist must identify all adult relatives who could potentially care for the child, including adult grandparents and other adult relatives suggested by the grandparents, with exceptions due to family or domestic violence. Within seven days of being assigned to the case, the specialist must provide the commissioner with a list of these relatives, and the commissioner must then provide written materials to the listed individuals explaining their options under the law to participate in the child's care and placement.

The written materials provided by the commissioner must include information on how to file a guardianship or custody petition in probate court, the requirements for obtaining a foster care license, additional services and supports available for children placed in foster homes, and details about the subsidized guardianship program, including eligibility, application process, and financial assistance. The bill also includes a fiscal impact statement indicating that the implementation of these requirements will result in annual costs to DCF and the State Comptroller for fringe benefits. The bill is effective July 1, 2024, and amends section 17a-101m of the general statutes. The Judiciary Committee reported favorably on the bill.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 505: