This bill amends existing juvenile statutes to ensure compliance with federal requirements regarding placements in qualified residential treatment programs. It mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services conduct a qualified assessment of a child within 30 days of placement, and that the court reviews this assessment and the placement decision within 60 days. The language changes include replacing the court's responsibility to "order" assessments with the department's obligation to "have" them completed, and similarly changing the court's role from "reviewing" to "issuing an order" regarding the assessment and placement.

Additionally, the bill introduces a provision allowing litigation to proceed in cases where an attorney has not been secured for a child despite diligent efforts. This provision prioritizes legal issues that do not conflict with the child's expressed interests until an attorney becomes available. The bill also repeals a previous section related to attorneys and guardians ad litem, and establishes specific effective dates for different sections of the act. Overall, the bill aims to streamline processes related to juvenile placements and ensure timely legal representation for children in need.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 169-B:19-d, 169-C:19-f, 169-D:9-d, 169-C:10
As Amended by the Senate: 169-B:19-d, 169-C:19-f, 169-D:9-d, 169-C:10
SB515 text: 169-B:19-d, 169-C:19-f, 169-D:9-d, 169-C:10