FOSTER CARE – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding extended and continued care and to revise provisions regarding relative foster care.

Idaho's H 245 amends foster care laws to update review hearing requirements and strengthen protections for youth in care. It requires courts to hold review hearings every six months (instead of three) to assess safety, educational stability, sibling placement, and permanency planning - including specific documentation for youth aged 12+ about their desired outcomes. The bill also adds new requirements for documenting psychotropic medication use and justifying "another planned permanent living arrangement" goals, while nullifying certain outdated administrative rules (IDAPA 16.06.01). These changes directly affect foster youth, courts, child welfare departments, and foster parents in Idaho. The law became effective July 1, 2025, following gubernatorial approval.