This bill amends current child placement laws in Iowa, specifically addressing the conditions under which a court can order the placement of a child with individuals other than adult relatives. It stipulates that a court must make a specific finding that placement with an adult relative is not in the child's best interests, providing reasons for this decision. Additionally, if a child has been placed with a licensed foster parent for at least nine months prior to a dispositional hearing, the court cannot order a different placement without determining that such a change is in the child's best interests and providing justification for that finding.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates $275,000 from the general fund to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to hire five additional employees dedicated to child protective services (CPS). Each of these employees will be assigned to a separate CPS service area and will be responsible for fulfilling identification and notice duties as required by existing law. They are also expected to implement national models and practice standards to enhance outcomes in child custody cases.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 232.102