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 placed in custody solely based on a parent's refusal to consent to psychotropic medication. It also includes provisions for the timely review of custody cases, ensuring that if a child is taken into custody again within a year, a thorough review must be conducted before any release. The bill aims to enhance the protective measures in place for children at risk of abuse or neglect while ensuring that relatives can be considered for custody under strict safety protocols.

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