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
Family
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
Children in need of services with a disability
The House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee heard SB 26, sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald, on children in need of services with a disability. Author Sen. Steele testified that this bill provides that a child is a child in need of services if the child needs care, treatment or rehabilitation and lives in the same household as an adult who committed certain offenses or has been … [Read more...] about Children in need of services with a disability