CHILD PROTECTION – Amends and adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding social workers.

This bill updates Idaho laws governing social workers involved in child protection cases by establishing new notification rights for parents and guardians during investigations. It requires social workers to receive mandatory training on autism and introversion, prohibits them from making false statements about legal rights, and sets specific professional conduct standards such as not instructing judges or telling children they will not return home. The legislation also clarifies that parents have the right to refuse questions, deny home entry, and consult attorneys during investigations, while requiring the Department of Health and Welfare to document the essential functions and psychological demands of social work roles.