The bill amends sections 50-11-03.2 and 50-11-07 of the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on the use of public funds for foster care and the conditions under which licenses or certifications for foster care facilities may be denied or revoked. Notably, it allows nonfederal funds to be used for maintenance payments to unlicensed identified relatives or unlicensed kinship relatives for up to six months, and also to guardians with subsidy approval from the department. Additionally, the bill clarifies that public funds for foster care can only be used in facilities that are licensed, certified, or approved by the department, and it specifies conditions under which the department may grant extensions for shelter care placements.

In terms of licensing and certification, the bill outlines several grounds for denial or revocation, including the presence of false information in applications, violations of departmental rules, and recent court actions involving the removal of children from the applicant's home due to welfare concerns. The amendments introduce specific language regarding the timeframe of court actions and the conditions under which individuals may be deemed unfit to provide foster care, emphasizing the importance of the welfare of children in these decisions.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 50-11-03.2, 50-11-07
PREFILED: 50-11-03.2, 50-11-07