The proposed bill establishes the Child Welfare Authority as an independent state agency tasked with managing child welfare and juvenile justice programs that were previously under the Children, Youth and Families Department. It creates a Board of Regents, appointed by the governor, to oversee the authority, which will include professionals experienced in relevant fields. The bill outlines the authority's powers and responsibilities, including the appointment of a state superintendent to ensure compliance with child welfare laws and the ability to reorganize units for operational efficiency. Additionally, it amends the Children's Code to incorporate the new authority and its governing structure, defining key terms such as "authority" and "board of regents."

The legislation introduces several new provisions aimed at enhancing the Child Welfare Authority's operational framework, including the development of a statewide database for tracking services, the establishment of a Quality Assurance Bureau, and the creation of a Child Welfare Advisory Committee. It mandates rules to control child placements, emphasizing in-state options, and outlines specific qualifications for correctional officers, including background checks and peace officer status. The bill also includes a transition plan for transferring functions and responsibilities from the Children, Youth and Families Department to the Child Welfare Authority, with a timeline for implementation set for January 1, 2027, and provisions for the reorganization of relevant statutory sections.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-1-4, 30-22-11.1, 30-22-11.2, 32A-22-2, 32A-26-11, 40-7A-3, 40-10B-3, 32A-19-1