Substitute Senate Bill No. 1311, also known as Public Act No. 25-116, amends Section 17a-114 of the general statutes to strengthen the regulations governing the approval and licensing of foster care and adoption services by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The bill introduces new definitions, such as "emergency placement," which allows for the temporary placement of a child with a relative or fictive kin caregiver when the primary caretaker is suddenly unavailable. It mandates that all prospective adoptive parents be licensed by DCF and requires criminal history checks for applicants and household members both prior to licensing and during renewals. The bill also permits emergency placements with unlicensed caregivers under certain conditions, ensuring that safety assessments are conducted and that caregivers have the right to contest decisions made based on criminal history checks.

Additionally, the bill enhances the sharing of information related to child welfare, allowing the Department of Developmental Services to access DCF records without parental consent for service eligibility determinations. It establishes the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, which outlines the responsibilities of sending and receiving states in the interstate placement of children, including compliance with applicable laws and the requirement for written notice to public authorities. The bill also introduces provisions for the governance of the Interstate Commission, including rules for meetings, financial operations, and the process for member states to withdraw from the compact. Overall, the bill aims to improve the safety, well-being, and legal processes surrounding children in foster care and adoption while promoting collaboration among state agencies.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
KID Joint Favorable:
File No. 89:
Public Act No. 25-116: