This bill amends existing Iowa law regarding the placement of children who are subjects of pending delinquency petitions. It introduces a new provision allowing courts to place a child in a supervised apartment living arrangement as part of a consent decree, provided the child has lived in a qualified residential treatment program, a shelter, or a combination of both for at least six months prior to the placement decision. Additionally, the child must lack the necessary family support to transition successfully to independent living.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be responsible for funding the supervised apartment living arrangement if it meets specific requirements set by HHS. This ensures that the state will cover the costs associated with such placements, thereby facilitating a smoother transition for children in the juvenile justice system who require additional support.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 232.46, 234.35