General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1311 seeks to amend Section 17a-114 of the general statutes to enhance the adoption and foster care processes managed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Key insertions include the definition of "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 DCF and introduces new requirements for criminal history checks for applicants and household members. It also allows for emergency placements with unlicensed caregivers under specific conditions, ensuring that criminal history checks are conducted and that caregivers eventually obtain the necessary licensing or approval.

Additionally, the bill revises the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, establishing clearer guidelines for interstate placements, including the requirement for written notice to public authorities in the receiving state and the retention of jurisdiction by the sending state. It emphasizes the importance of timely and safe placements while allowing for the development of operational rules by the Interstate Commission. The bill also includes provisions for the creation of a Foster Parent Bill of Rights, expands eligibility for youth to remain in DCF care until age twenty-one, and enhances information sharing among state agencies while protecting individual privacy. Overall, Raised Bill No. 1311 aims to improve the legal framework surrounding child welfare, streamline processes, and ensure the safety and well-being of children in the system.

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