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. Key provisions include the introduction of 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. The bill mandates that all prospective adoptive parents must be licensed by the Department of Children and Families, replacing the previous allowance for any licensed individual to adopt. It also requires criminal history checks for all applicants and household members, ensuring that child safety is prioritized. Emergency placements can occur with unlicensed relatives or fictive kin, provided a satisfactory home visit and basic family assessment are completed, and the commissioner can remove a child if necessary identifying information is not provided.

Additionally, the bill enhances the coordination of interstate child placements by establishing the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, which outlines the responsibilities of sending and receiving states. It requires public child placing agencies to comply with specific regulations before placing a child across state lines, including obtaining necessary assessments and approvals. The bill also introduces provisions for the Interstate Commission to oversee the compact's administration, enforce compliance, and develop rules for operational procedures. Financial responsibilities are clarified, with the sending state responsible for ongoing support of the child, while the receiving state handles assessments. Overall, the bill aims to improve the safety and welfare of children in foster care and adoption while ensuring that all caregivers are adequately vetted and that interstate placements are conducted efficiently and in the best interests of the child.

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