This bill amends existing laws regarding out-of-state placements for children, establishing that such placements must be licensed according to the laws of the state in which they operate and certified by the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill replaces the term "contracted with the state" with "licensed in accordance with the laws of the state in which they operate and certified by the department." Additionally, it emphasizes that out-of-state placements should only occur when no in-state options are available and must offer specialized services that cannot be provided in New Hampshire.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that any out-of-state placements require increased judicial oversight and the written approval of the director of the Division for Children, Youth and Families, or their designee, particularly for placements outside of New England. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding out-of-state placements to ensure the safety and well-being of children in care.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 169-C:19-b, 169-C:19-e, 169-F:5, 169-F:7
As Amended by the Senate: 169-C:19-b, 169-F:5, 169-F:7
As Amended by the House: 169-C:19-b, 169-F:5, 169-F:7
Version adopted by both bodies: 169-C:19-b, 169-F:5, 169-F:7
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 169-C:19-b, 169-F:5, 169-F:7