The bill, identified as Substitute Senate Bill No. 359 with File No. 505, concerns the services provided by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to relatives of a child whose parent's death was caused by intimate partner violence. The bill mandates that upon being informed of such a homicide, the DCF Commissioner must assign an intimate partner violence specialist to the case. This specialist is tasked with identifying all adult relatives, including grandparents and others suggested by the grandparents, who could potentially care for the child, barring any exceptions due to family or domestic violence. Within seven days of assignment, the specialist must provide a list of these relatives to the commissioner, who then must supply written materials to the identified relatives detailing their options under the law for participating in the child's care and placement, the process for obtaining a foster care license, and information about the subsidized guardianship program, including eligibility 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, totaling approximately $211,618 for DCF and $72,855 for fringe benefits. These costs account for the hiring of two Advanced Clinical Social Workers and the creation and maintenance of educational materials. The bill is set to take effect on 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: