Substitute Senate Bill No. 1311, also known as Public Act No. 25-116, amends Section 17a-114 of the general statutes to strengthen regulations surrounding foster care and adoption. Key changes include the introduction of new definitions, such as "emergency placement," and the requirement that all prospective adoptive parents be licensed by the Department of Children and Families, replacing the previous allowance for any licensed individual to adopt. The bill mandates criminal history checks for all applicants and household members, while also permitting emergency placements with unlicensed relatives or fictive kin caregivers under certain conditions. Additionally, the bill allows for waivers regarding bedroom arrangements for children placed with relatives, provided safety standards are met, and establishes a reasonable and prudent parent standard for caregivers.

The bill further modifies provisions for youth in care, allowing those who turn eighteen to remain until twenty-one if enrolled in educational programs, and introduces new amendments to enhance information sharing among state agencies regarding child welfare. It also enacts the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, establishing a framework for safe interstate placements and outlining the responsibilities of member states. Key insertions include provisions for the Interstate Commission to develop rules for timely placements and to maintain financial accountability through annual assessments on member states. Overall, the bill aims to improve the safety, oversight, and efficiency of child welfare processes while ensuring compliance with federal laws and maintaining necessary privacy protections.

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