General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5004 aims to improve child welfare accountability and transparency by amending existing laws related to emergency placements of children. A significant change in the bill is the requirement for the commissioner to prioritize emergency placements with relatives or fictive kin caregivers, rather than having the discretion to do so. This shift underscores the importance of placing children with familiar caregivers when it is in their best interests, contingent upon satisfactory home visits and family assessments. The bill also mandates criminal history checks for caregivers and individuals residing in the home, ensuring child safety. Additionally, if a placement is denied or a child is removed, the commissioner must document the reasons and confirm that the alternative placement serves the child's best interests. The definition of potential caregivers is expanded to include fictive kin, and the court is required to issue orders for temporary care to these caregivers alongside relatives.

The legislation further establishes grant programs to support caregivers financially, covering necessities and costs associated with after-school programs. It mandates the creation of a mentorship program for newly hired social workers, educational training on critical issues, and a postsecondary education grant program for youths in DCF care. The bill also introduces a public awareness campaign about DCF resources, a working group for an online dashboard related to DCF services, and protocols for investigating child abuse or neglect. Notably, it emphasizes the importance of considering children's opinions during investigations and requires the use of personal emergency communication devices by employees conducting home visits. The bill is set to take effect in stages, with certain provisions becoming effective immediately and others on October 1, 2026.