Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2554

Introduced

1/18/24

Refer

1/18/24

Failed

4/30/24

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill will amend existing statutes regarding child custody and placement, specifically K.S.A. 38-2264 and K.S.A. 2023 Supp. 38-2243, to enforce timely notification and proactive efforts to find appropriate relatives as potential guardians. By placing a statutory obligation on the Secretary, this law seeks not just to identify relatives but to ensure that every effort is made to secure a safe and stable environment for the child that honors their pre-existing emotional bonds.

Summary

House Bill 2554 aims to strengthen the process of identifying and notifying relatives or individuals with whom a child in custody has close emotional ties to facilitate their potential placement. The bill directs the Secretary for Children and Families to search for these relatives within 30 days of a court order that determines temporary custody. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of familial connections in a child's upbringing, emphasizing that children are better served when placed with familiar and supportive figures during challenging times.

Contention

Potential points of contention may arise regarding the feasibility of locating relatives within the stipulated timeframe and ensuring their suitability for custody. Critics could argue that while the intent to strengthen family ties is commendable, the actual implementation may prove challenging, considering constraints related to resources and the complexity of individual family situations. Moreover, the bill will necessitate coordination between legal and social service entities, raising questions about the concrete provisions for funding and support to facilitate these processes effectively.

Latest HB2554 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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