Substitute Senate Bill No. 1311, also known as Public Act No. 25-116, amends Section 17a-114 of the general statutes to strengthen regulations regarding the placement of children in foster care and adoption. 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 requires all prospective adoptive parents to be licensed by the Department of Children and Families, replacing the previous allowance for any licensed individual to adopt. Additionally, the bill mandates criminal history checks for all applicants and household members, while permitting emergency placements with unlicensed relatives or fictive kin, contingent upon satisfactory assessments and background checks. The bill also allows for waivers regarding bedroom arrangements for children placed with relatives, provided safety standards are met.

Moreover, the bill enhances the governance of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, establishing a framework for the safe and timely interstate placement of children. It requires public child placing agencies to comply with specific regulations before placing children across state lines, including obtaining necessary assessments and documentation. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the Interstate Commission, which will oversee compliance and develop uniform standards for placements. It also introduces provisions for financial accountability, allowing the Commission to levy assessments on member states to cover operational costs. Overall, the bill aims to improve the safety and welfare of children in foster care and streamline the processes involved in their placement and care across state lines.

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