CHILD PROTECTION – Amends and adds to existing law to provide for attendance at child protection hearings.

Idaho's H 692 clarifies who may attend child protection hearings under the Child Protective Act. It creates a "rebuttable presumption" allowing parents, relatives, foster parents, treatment providers, child welfare staff, and legal representatives to attend hearings unless the court finds their presence would harm the child or proceedings. Courts must state their reasoning for admitting or excluding anyone and consider factors like the child's best interests, safety, and potential disruption before making attendance decisions. The bill directly affects children, families, and professionals involved in child welfare cases by standardizing hearing access rules.