congregate care; dependent children; placement
What changed between versions
Removed the requirement for the Department of Child Safety to apply specific fingerprint clearance card waiver criteria for kinship foster care parents, simplifying the licensing process for relatives caring for children.
Revised the definition of 'congregate care' to clarify that it applies to agencies providing 24-hour care for more than one child, ensuring the definition aligns with current operational realities.
Mandated that behavioral health facilities denying placement of a foster child must document specific clinical reasons and notify the placement agency within 24 hours, ensuring timely communication and justification for denials.
Added new reporting requirements to track the number of children approved for placement in behavioral health facilities who are subsequently denied or refused placement, increasing transparency and accountability.
Expanded the types of facilities eligible to receive foster children to include behavioral health facilities and programs, not just secure behavioral health residential facilities, to increase placement options.
Updated the definition of 'secure' in the context of behavioral health facilities to emphasize limiting egress in the least restrictive manner consistent with a court-ordered treatment plan.
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