A bill for an act requiring the department of health and human services to pay for the costs of a child’s placement in shelter care.

This bill requires Iowa's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to cover all costs for a child's temporary shelter care placement, eliminating the current requirement that a child's custodial parent's county pay any remaining costs. It directly affects children in juvenile justice temporary care and their families, who previously faced potential out-of-pocket expenses if HHS didn't cover full costs. The key provision amends existing law to mandate HHS pay 100% of shelter care costs, as defined by state code (temporary care from initial contact with authorities until case resolution), and directs HHS to update its rules accordingly. This changes the current system where counties covered cost differences, shifting full financial responsibility to HHS.