This bill amends current law regarding child placements by establishing stricter requirements for courts when determining custody arrangements. Specifically, it prohibits courts from ordering the placement of a child with individuals identified in certain subcategories unless they find that placement with an adult relative is not in the child's best interests and provide reasons for this finding. Additionally, if a child has been placed with a licensed foster parent for at least nine months prior to the dispositional hearing, the court cannot order a different placement without a specific finding that such a change is in the child's best interests, along with reasons for that determination.

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 mandated by current law. They are also expected to implement national models and practice standards to enhance the effectiveness of their work in improving outcomes for children in custody proceedings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 232.102