CONGREGATE CARE – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the placement of a child in congregate care settings and to provide for regular review of placements.

S 1035 amends Idaho law to strengthen oversight of children placed in congregate care settings (like group homes) under state custody. It requires the state child welfare agency to notify courts within 7 days of placement, restricts placements for children 12 or younger without specific written approval, and limits stays to two weeks unless emergency circumstances apply. The law mandates regular reviews - every 14 days for unlicensed facilities or every 90 days for licensed ones - to assess child safety, treatment progress, and whether less restrictive options exist. These changes directly affect children in state custody placed in congregate care, excluding foster homes, family placements, or correctional facilities, and take effect July 1, 2025.