Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2536

Introduced
1/18/24  
Refer
1/18/24  
Report Pass
2/6/24  
Engrossed
2/28/24  
Refer
2/29/24  
Report Pass
3/19/24  
Enrolled
4/5/24  

Caption

Establishing the SOUL family legal permanency option for children 16 years of age or older.

Impact

The enactment of HB 2536 is likely to have a significant impact on existing statutes related to children's caregiving and custody arrangements within Kansas. By providing an option for SOUL family legal permanency, the bill aims to promote stability and continuity for older youth in the care system, thereby addressing the needs of those who often face challenges in finding suitable permanent homes. This initiative hopes to enhance the overall welfare of minors and ensure they do not age out of the system without adequate support or connection to caring adults.

Summary

House Bill 2536 introduces the concept of SOUL family legal permanency for children aged 16 and older in the Kansas code for the care of children. This bill aims to allow courts to appoint SOUL family custodians for minors who are in need of care and are entering a crucial phase in their lives. The bill defines SOUL family legal permanency as a legal option to establish long-term caregiving relationships that can offer emotional and familial support to these children. It emphasizes the importance of agreement from both the child and their parents, unless parental rights have been terminated, in making such appointments.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be positive, particularly among advocates for child welfare who see the benefit of legally sanctioned, supportive family arrangements for older youth. However, there may be concerns from some stakeholders regarding the implications for parental rights and the adequacy of monitoring the suitability of proposed custodians. The discussion implies a recognition of the emotional and social needs of older children in the care system, advocating for their right to choose their caregivers.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the balance of power between parental control and judicial intervention in family arrangements. Some may argue that while SOUL family legal permanency offers essential support for children, it may also circumscribe parental rights and introduce complexities in the existing care and custody dynamics. Critics may highlight the need to ensure that these custodians are appropriately vetted and that the rights of biological parents are respected, particularly in cases where parental consent is a requisite for the placement.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

KS HB2075

Determining when a law enforcement officer may or shall take a child into custody and requiring that the secretary provide support to such law enforcement officers, the court review involvement in permanency planning and a permanency hearing for a child in custody of the secretary be held within nine months from such child's removal from the and every subsequent hearing 6 months thereafter.

KS HB2554

Directing the secretary for children and families to identify relatives and persons with whom a child in custody of the secretary has close emotional ties for placement and send notice of custody to the persons when identified.

KS HB2581

Eliminating the court's requirement to order child support be paid to the secretary when custody of a child is awarded to the secretary.

KS HB2381

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.

KS HB2024

Expanding legal surrender of an infant to include newborn safety devices, requiring a referral of an alleged victim of child abuse or neglect for an examination as part of an investigation, creating a program in the department of health and environment to provide training and payment for such examinations, enacting the Representative Gail Finney memorial foster care bill of rights, applying the federal Indian child welfare act to certain actions under the revised Kansas code for care of children.

KS HB2189

Substitute for HB 2189 by Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care - Granting jurisdiction to the court to extend custody of non-minor dependents and allow the secretary for children and families to provide reentry services to an eligible young adult.

KS HB2194

Enacting the Representative Gail Finney memorial foster care bill of rights.

KS HB2033

Changing the criteria used to refer and admit juveniles to a juvenile crisis intervention center.