The bill amends the revised Kansas code for the care of children by redefining neglect and establishing new guidelines for child removal. It explicitly prohibits the removal of a child solely due to financial hardship, ensuring that lack of financial resources cannot be classified as neglect. The bill also requires law enforcement officers to take a child into custody only under specific circumstances, such as having a court order or probable cause, and mandates that they explore alternatives to removal before taking action. Additionally, the Secretary for Children and Families is required to respond to referrals of potential abuse or neglect within 24 hours, and courts must consider parental participation in services when making decisions about child removal.

Key changes include the modification of the language regarding law enforcement's authority to take children into custody, shifting from "shall" to "may," and emphasizing the need for multiple factors of serious harm to justify removal. The bill also introduces provisions for temporary custody hearings to be held within 72 hours of a child's protective custody, requiring courts to assess whether parental participation in prevention services could negate the need for removal. Furthermore, it outlines a structured process for filing petitions related to child custody and care, while repealing several existing statutes to modernize the legal framework governing these issues.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 38-2234, 38-2243, 38-2202
Sub: 38-2202, 38-2231, 38-2234, 38-2243, 72-3120, 38-2232