ON APRIL 3, 2025, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 1015, AS AMENDED. AMENDMENT #1 rewrites this bill to require the department of children's services, to the extent not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law, to promulgate rules to implement the following rights for any foster child in the custody of the department or an agency that contracts with the department to place children in foster care: (1) To go to school and receive an education that fits the child's age and individual needs; (2) To benefit from appropriate care and treatment in the least restrictive setting possible; (3) To live in a safe, healthy environment free from abuse, neglect, and pests; (4) To report any violation of personal rights listed in (1) – (6) without fear of punishment, interference, coercion, or retaliation; (5) To receive medical, dental, vision, and mental health services as recommended by an appropriate professional, and to be informed about diagnoses and treatment options as is developmentally appropriate; and (6) To be free from punishment in the form of restrictions on or supervision of contact with any legal representative, including any appointed guardian ad litem, attorney ad litem, or appointed counsel with whom the foster child has a right to confidential communication. This amendment also requires the department to: (1) Train all employees of the department who come in contact with foster children regarding the rights listed in (1) – (6); and (2) In consultation with stakeholders within the foster care system, develop materials to express the rights specified in (1) – (6) and any other rights the department finds appropriate to children in foster care. The materials must be age-appropriate and must clearly articulate the foster child's rights. The department must provide the child with the materials and explain the rights to the child within 30 days of the child entering into the custody of the department and annually as a part of the permanency hearing. The department must review and, if necessary, revise the materials at least every five years.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 37-2-415(e), 37-2-415