This bill amends existing laws regarding the custody and placement of children who are in the care of the Children, Youth and Families Department due to abuse or neglect. It mandates that before a child can be returned to a parent, legal guardian, or custodian, that individual must undergo a criminal background check and a search of the sex offender registry. This requirement also extends to relatives who may be considered for foster care placement. The department will determine the appropriateness of the child's release based on the results of these checks.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring the child's safety by stipulating that a child cannot be released to a person who has not passed the required background checks. It also includes provisions for the department to actively seek relatives for foster care placement and outlines the necessary steps for relatives to take if they are to care for the child. The bill aims to enhance the protective measures in place for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, ensuring that their safety is prioritized in custody decisions.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-4-6, 32A-4-7, 32A-4-8