Senate File 641 amends various sections of the Iowa Code to enhance the regulation and support of child foster care and related services. The bill introduces new definitions, including "behavioral health district" and "disability access point," and expands the definition of "employees" to include those from administrative services organizations. It emphasizes the roles of individual licensees and approved kinship caregivers in the foster care system, replacing previous terminology and mandating timely communication from the Department of Health and Human Services regarding children in their care. The bill also outlines the qualifications and responsibilities of foster care providers, including the requirement for background checks and training, while ensuring that advocates for involuntarily hospitalized patients do not have conflicts of interest.

Additionally, the legislation clarifies the approval process for kinship caregivers and establishes a foster family home insurance fund to cover damages caused by foster children. It enhances confidentiality provisions related to children in foster care and their caregivers, ensuring that sensitive information is protected. The bill also addresses the administration of behavioral health services, including funding for transitions between mental health and behavioral health systems, and mandates internal audits within the Department to ensure compliance with standards. Overall, Senate File 641 aims to improve the structure, oversight, and accessibility of child and dependent adult care services in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 97B.1A, 229.1, 229.19, 229.14, 232.78, 232.95, 232.102, 234.1, 234.39, 232.2, 237.1, 237.2, 237.3, 256B.2, 237.4, 237.5A, 237.6, 237.8, 237.9, 217.30, 237.13, 16.57, 237.15, 237A.1, 237A.3A, 237C.1, 237C.3, 282.19, 414.22, 423.3, 135.118, 235A.1, 235A.15, 235B.2, 235B.3, 235B.6, 249A.4, 232.68, 225C.7A, 432.1B
Reprinted: 97B.1A, 229.1, 229.19, 229.14, 232.78, 232.95, 232.102, 234.1, 234.39, 232.2, 237.1, 237.2, 237.3, 256B.2, 237.4, 237.5A, 237.6, 237.8, 237.9, 217.30, 237.13, 16.57, 237.15, 237A.1, 237A.3A, 237C.1, 237C.3, 282.19, 414.22, 423.3, 135.118, 235A.1, 235A.15, 235B.2, 235B.3, 235B.6, 249A.4, 232.68, 432.1B
Enrolled: 97B.1A, 229.1, 229.19, 229.14, 232.78, 232.95, 232.102, 234.1, 234.39, 232.2, 237.1, 237.2, 237.3, 256B.2, 237.4, 237.5A, 237.6, 237.8, 237.9, 217.30, 237.13, 16.57, 237.15, 237A.1, 237A.3A, 237C.1, 237C.3, 282.19, 414.22, 423.3, 135.118, 235A.1, 235A.15, 235B.2, 235B.3, 235B.6, 249A.4, 232.68, 432.1B