This bill amends several sections of the Idaho Code concerning juvenile proceedings, particularly focusing on review hearings, definitions, and conditions for the termination of parental rights. It changes the frequency of review hearings from every six months to every two months following the initial court order and introduces new requirements for documentation related to the child's safety, educational stability, sibling placements, and the use of psychotropic medication. The bill also highlights the importance of youth participation in discussions about their permanency outcomes, especially for those aged twelve and older.

Additionally, the bill modifies the conditions under which parental rights may be terminated, reducing the timeframe for filing a petition from fifteen months to twelve months if a child has been in custody for a significant portion of that time. It establishes new criteria for determining the best interests of the child, including the parent's efforts to reunify and the potential psychological impact on the child if removed from a strong bond with a substitute caretaker. The legislation clarifies that termination cannot be based solely on a child's immunization status and allows for considerations regarding parents with disabilities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, following an emergency declaration to expedite its implementation.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 16-1622, 16-2002, 16-2005