This bill amends the Kansas Code for Care of Children to create expedited procedures for children under two years of age who are petitioned to be adjudicated as children in need of care. It mandates that these children be placed in a permanent home within 12 months of their out-of-home placement, unless the court determines that such placement is not in the child's best interests. The bill requires concurrent adjudication and dispositional hearings, with permanency hearings to occur within three months of removal from the home. It also prohibits continuances in proceedings for these children unless good cause is shown and establishes a presumption against transferring venue that would delay proceedings, emphasizing the child's best interests.

Additionally, the bill proposes amendments to existing laws regarding child custody and adoptive placements, including the removal of the requirement to disclose the identities of proposed adoptive parents in reports. It allows courts to issue child custody orders in the best interests of the child when permanency with one parent is achieved without terminating the other parent's rights. The bill also emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality regarding sensitive information and mandates the closure of cases once permanency is achieved. Several statutes are repealed, and the act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 38-2204, 38-2251, 38-2246, 38-2253, 38-2264