The bill amends the Child Protection Law by updating Section 18 to enhance the criteria under which the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) must submit a petition for court authorization regarding child abuse or neglect cases. It specifies that if a parent, guardian, custodian, or any adult residing in the child's home is found to have abused the child or a sibling, the DHHS must act. The bill introduces new forms of abuse that warrant action, including human trafficking, and expands the circumstances under which a petition must be filed, particularly when a parent's rights to another child have been previously terminated due to similar abuse.

Additionally, the bill mandates that if a parent is suspected of being a perpetrator or of placing the child at risk, the DHHS must request termination of parental rights during the initial dispositional hearing. It also requires the department to hold a conference among agency personnel if they are considering such a petition, ensuring that the attorney representing the child is notified and can attend. If no agreement is reached during this conference, the department director or their designee will make the final decision after consulting with the involved attorneys.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 722.638