The bill amends the Guardianship Assistance Act by updating the criteria for prospective guardians to receive guardianship assistance on behalf of eligible children. It specifies that a prospective guardian must have resided with the eligible child for a minimum of six months prior to applying for assistance. The bill also clarifies that a prospective guardian can be either a relative of the child or a licensed foster parent. Additionally, it introduces a new approval process that includes criminal record checks and child abuse registry checks for the prospective guardian and all adults living in their home, as well as fingerprint submissions for criminal history checks.

Furthermore, the bill outlines that relatives who care for an eligible child in a licensed foster home for six consecutive months may qualify for federal funding under Title IV-E for guardianship assistance, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. It also allows for siblings of eligible children to be placed in the same guardianship arrangement, ensuring that Title IV-E-funded assistance can be provided for each sibling. Lastly, it states that successor guardians may receive assistance payments if they meet the established eligibility criteria.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 722.874
As Passed by the House: 722.874