This bill amends existing child placement laws in Iowa, specifically addressing the conditions under which a court can order the placement of a child. It stipulates that a court cannot place a child with individuals identified in certain categories without first determining that placement with an adult relative is not in the child's best interests, along with providing 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 is prohibited from changing that placement unless it finds that the new placement is in the child's best interests and provides justification for this decision.

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. The bill emphasizes the use of national models and practice standards to enhance outcomes in child custody cases, ensuring that the needs of children in the system are prioritized effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 232.102