This bill amends existing laws regarding aid, processes, and services for children in, adopted from, or in need of foster care in Iowa. It allows a court to adjudicate a child in need of assistance (CINA) if the child requires treatment for serious chemical dependency or a mental or behavioral health disorder that compromises their safety or leads to aggressive behavior towards others in the household. This change replaces the previous requirement that focused on serious mental illness or emotional damage evidenced by specific behaviors. Additionally, the bill removes certain circumstances under which a child could be adjudicated as a CINA.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the reimbursement structure for foster parents by eliminating the requirement that payments be based on 65 percent of the USDA's cost estimate for raising a child. Instead, it mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) review reimbursement rates at least every three years and establish rules for these rates. The bill also stipulates that HHS will reimburse adoption petitioners for preplacement and postplacement investigation costs, capped at $2,000 each, but only after the initial background checks are approved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 232.96A, 234.6