The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1064, sponsored by Sen. Charbonneau, concerning terminating the parent-child relationship when the child is conceived during a rape. This bill extends to the parent who was the victim of the rape the opportunity to file a termination of parental rights (TPR) case against the alleged perpetrator of the rape. The juvenile or probate court would … [Read more...] about Terminating the parent-child relationship
Family
No contact orders and battery
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1069, on no contact orders and battery. This bill permits the Department of Child Services (DCS) to file a petition for a no contact order on behalf of foster parents and their foster kids. The legislation also increases the penalty for battery against members of foster families from a Class B misdemeanor to a Level 6 felony. DCS spoke in f … [Read more...] about No contact orders and battery
Release of identifying adoption information
The House Committee on Judiciary heard SB 91, sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald and Rep. Gutwein, on release of identifying adoption information. The bill repeals existing provisions applicable to adoptions finalized before 1994 that prohibit the release of a birth parent’s information unless a consent to release is on file. Effective July 1, 2018, adoption information can be released u … [Read more...] about Release of identifying adoption information
Guardianship; Department of Child Services
The Senate Family & Children Services Committee heard HB 1183, sponsored by Sen. Buck, on guardianship; Department of Child Services. Author Rep. Frizzell presented this bill providing that a delegation of power by a properly executed power of attorney does not subject the parties to any laws, rules, or regulations concerning the licensing or regulation of foster family homes, … [Read more...] about Guardianship; Department of Child Services
Child abuse or neglect allegations in military families
The Senate Family & Children Services Committee heard HB 1271, sponsored by Sen. Banks, on child abuse or neglect allegations in military families. Author Rep. Zent presented his bill that requires DCS to notify the United States Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program if a child of an active duty member of the military is the subject of a substantiated investigation of … [Read more...] about Child abuse or neglect allegations in military families