The proposed General Assembly Raised Bill No. 297 seeks to amend existing laws concerning court proceedings for children and youth who are uncared for, neglected, or abused. A significant change includes the repeal of subsection (j) of section 46b-129, which is replaced with new definitions for terms such as "permanent legal guardianship," "caregiver," and "trial home visit." The bill empowers the court to commit children to the Commissioner of Children and Families, grant legal guardianship to appropriate individuals or agencies, and place children under protective supervision with parents. Importantly, the bill requires the court to order specific steps for parents to facilitate the return of their child, replacing the previous language that merely stated the court shall order such steps.

Additionally, the bill introduces a rebuttable presumption favoring legal guardianship or permanent legal guardianship for caregivers who are the temporary custodians at the time of parental rights revocation or termination. The legislation mandates that the Commissioner provide written notice at least ten days before transferring a child to a new placement, unless in emergencies, and requires the court to evaluate efforts made to keep the child with their parent or guardian prior to commitment. It also allows youth who turn eighteen to remain in care under certain conditions and outlines the requirements for issuing permanent legal guardianship orders, including notifying parents and demonstrating that the guardianship serves the child's best interests. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.