This bill establishes a framework for approved agencies to facilitate the voluntary temporary placement of individuals in crisis, including infants, children, parents under 21 with infants, and pregnant women under 21, into the homes of volunteers. It defines "crisis" as situations such as homelessness, hospitalization, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Approved agencies, which are nonprofit organizations sanctioned by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) for adoption placements, must contract with DCF and are responsible for overseeing these placements through weekly visits and support to help individuals restore stability in their lives.

To ensure the safety of the temporary homes, the bill requires approved agencies to conduct home studies for prospective volunteers, including background checks through the child abuse registry and criminal history checks for all adults in the home. The bill introduces new legal language regarding the confidentiality of records, allowing for the disclosure of information to prospective volunteers and their household members. Additionally, it mandates that approved agencies send the results of home studies and suitability determinations to DCF before placements occur, and they must maintain records of all assessments. The costs for background checks are to be covered by the prospective volunteers and adult residents.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9:6-8.10