A bill for an act relating to juvenile justice policies and procedures.
Impact
The bill introduces new requirements for courts and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding how they handle cases of child custody and visitation. By taking into account past records of domestic violence, child abuse, and substance abuse, the legislation seeks to enhance the safety of children in custody matters. Additionally, HHS employees who interact directly with children under these circumstances will need to undergo training related to childhood trauma, which is expected to improve the quality of assessments and interventions provided to children in need of assistance.
Summary
Senate File 2270 (SF2270) focuses on juvenile justice policies and procedures with a strong emphasis on child protection and the evaluation of caregivers. It mandates that courts order psychological examinations for parents, guardians, or custodians involved in child welfare proceedings who have records of domestic abuse, child abuse, or substance convictions. This examination must be conducted by a licensed psychologist and completed within thirty days of the order. If the concerned individual fails to comply, they risk losing custody and visitation rights with respect to the child involved in the proceedings.
Contention
Notable points of contention that may arise from SF2270 include the implications of mandatory psychological evaluations and the presumption of unfitness for visitation or custody for those convicted of serious crimes, including those required to register as sex offenders. Critics may argue that this presumption could unfairly affect individuals who have served their sentences and are attempting to reintegrate. Furthermore, the bill's provision for HHS to cover examination costs for those unable to pay could raise concerns about state resources and budgeting, especially in light of the potentially high demand for psychological services.
A bill for an act relating to services and support for youth, including treatment, physical assessments, and behavioral health evaluations; exemptions from children's residential facility certification; the director of juvenile court services and chief juvenile court officers; and suspension of Hawki eligibility for public institution inmates.(See HF 833, HF 984.)
A bill for an act relating to services and support for youth, including treatment, physical assessments, and behavioral health evaluations; exemptions from children's residential facility certification; the director of juvenile court services and chief juvenile court officers; and suspension of Hawki eligibility for public institution inmates.(See SF 474.)
A bill for an act relating to services and support for youth, including treatment, physical assessments, and behavioral health evaluations for youth involved in juvenile delinquency and child in need of assistance proceedings; the licensing and certification of certain residential facilities; the provision of home and community-based services and habilitation services to certain youth by residential programs; administration and supervision of juvenile court services; and the suspension of Hawki eligibility for inmates of public institutions.(Formerly HF 833, HSB 153.)
A bill for an act relating to services and support for youth, including treatment, physical assessments, and behavioral health evaluations for youth involved in involuntary commitment, juvenile delinquency, child in need of assistance, and family in need of assistance proceedings; the licensing and certification of certain residential facilities; the provision of home and community-based services and habilitation services to certain youth by residential programs; administration and supervision of juvenile court services; and the suspension of Hawki eligibility for inmates of public institutions.(Formerly HSB 153; See HF 984.)
A bill for an act relating to services and support for youth, including treatment, physical assessments, and behavioral health evaluations for youth involved in juvenile delinquency and child in need of assistance proceedings; the licensing and certification of certain residential facilities; the provision of home and community-based services and habilitation services to certain youth by residential programs; administration and supervision of juvenile court services; and the suspension of Hawki eligibility for inmates of public institutions. (Formerly SSB 1120.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.
Establishing a committee to study the child protection act; establishing a right to submit evidence and testimony in family court proceedings; relative to wage garnishment with child support payments; and relative to parenting coordinators in high-conflict cases.
The age of an offender, suspension or dismissal of proceedings, and predispositional assessment; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an effective date.
Requiring the court to appoint an attorney to represent a child who is the subject of child in need of care proceedings and allowing for the optional appointment of a guardian ad litem.