HB 1667-FN establishes the department for children, youth and families as a separate state agency responsible for the general supervision and enforcement of all programs and services for children and youths. The bill transfers all former powers, duties, and responsibilities of the department of health and human services, division for children, youth and families and the division of juvenile justice services to the newly established department. The bill also includes provisions for the disclosure of information regarding child abuse or neglect in certain circumstances.

The bill also includes provisions regarding the establishment of a quality early learning opportunity initiative, which would provide support to eligible families whose children are enrolled in licensed child care programs. Additionally, the bill changes references to the Division of Children, Youth, and Families to the Department for Children, Youth and Families in sections related to surrogate parents, tuition waivers for children in state foster care or guardianship, and the Guardian Ad Litem Board. The bill also changes references to the Division of Children, Youth, and Families to the Department for Children, Youth and Families in a section related to the release of a defendant pending trial. Finally, the bill changes a reference to the Division of Juvenile Justice Services to the Department of Health and Human Services in a section related to trust and agency funds.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 126-A:39, 161:2, 170-H:1, 28-B:3, 126-A:5, 186-C:14, 187-A:20-b, 490-C:2, 597:2, 6:12-c, 621-A:11, 651-E:2, 47:11-b