This bill amends several sections of the Idaho Code concerning foster care placement, focusing on parental rights, extended foster care orders, and definitions related to child welfare. Notably, it deletes the requirement for a two-month review hearing and introduces a new mandate for courts to conduct review hearings at least every six months following an extended foster care order. The bill also clarifies that individuals aged 18 to 23 who were in the custody of the department until their 18th birthday are eligible for support to aid their transition to adulthood. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of educational stability, sibling placements, and the use of psychotropic medication during hearings, while requiring documentation of the department's efforts to serve the child's best interests.

Further amendments include a revised definition of "neglected," specifying that a child is considered neglected if a parent fails to comply with court orders or case plans, and if the department has had custody for twelve of the last twenty-two months without achieving reunification by the twelfth month. The term "relative foster care" is replaced with "kinship foster care," highlighting the inclusion of kin in the system. The bill also allows for expedited placement with kin and introduces provisions for their licensure, ensuring that the health and safety of children are prioritized. These changes aim to streamline the foster care process and enhance support for children placed with relatives, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2026, due to an emergency declaration.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 16-1622, 16-2002, 39-1202, 39-1211A