This bill proposes to transfer the Critical Incident Review Team from the Department of Human Services to the Office of Inspector General, thereby altering its oversight and operational framework. The purpose of the team remains focused on reviewing fatalities and near fatalities involving children in the child welfare system, with the goal of identifying effective prevention and intervention strategies to reduce such incidents.

In addition to the relocation of the team, the bill also modifies its composition. Notably, the Foster Care Ombudsman will now serve as the chairperson, replacing the previous role of the Commissioner of the Bureau for Social Services. Other changes include the addition of new members and the removal of certain positions, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to the review process. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining privacy requirements while allowing the team to seek external expert guidance when necessary.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-12B-1, 61-12B-3