Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB06889

Introduced
3/9/23  
Introduced
3/9/23  
Refer
3/9/23  
Report Pass
3/30/23  
Report Pass
3/30/23  
Refer
4/10/23  
Refer
4/10/23  
Report Pass
4/17/23  
Report Pass
4/17/23  
Refer
4/25/23  

Caption

An Act Concerning Children From Families With Service Needs.

Impact

The proposed legislation seeks to replace existing statutes that may not adequately address the needs of these children. By establishing protocols for petitioning the court and providing more structure around interventions, the bill aims to protect the welfare of children and ensure that they receive necessary support. Changes include rights for children during court proceedings, such as representation by counsel and the right to a hearing if their conduct is in question. The bill emphasizes community-based solutions over direct punitive actions, intending to keep children within their families or in suitable family care.

Summary

House Bill 06889, titled 'An Act Concerning Children From Families With Service Needs', aims to reform the way children identified as having service needs are assessed and treated under the law. The bill focuses on children aged seven to eighteen who are considered to have service needs due to behaviors such as running away, truancy, or being beyond parental control. By clarifying the definition of 'family with service needs', HB06889 aims to ensure that families are appropriately referred to community-based support and services rather than facing punitive measures.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB06889 appears largely favorable among child welfare advocates and some legislative members who prioritize welfare and rehabilitation over punishment. Proponents argue that the focus on community support and developmental needs will lead to better long-term outcomes for children. However, there are concerns among critics about the potential for increased administrative burden on the judicial system and whether these changes will fundamentally improve situations for all families involved. Discussions indicate a balance of support for the bill while remaining cautious of its implications.

Contention

While the intent of the bill is to enhance support for families dealing with children in crisis, contention lies in the administrative challenges presented by these changes. Key concerns include how effective community-based solutions will be in practice and whether the judicial system can manage the increased load of cases effectively. Some legislators worry the bill may not sufficiently deter problematic behaviors if the response to infractions is seen as lenient. Additionally, there is dialogue regarding the appropriate balance of authority between the courts and social services in determining the best course of action for at-risk youth.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05506

An Act Concerning Families With Service Needs.

CT HB05467

An Act Concerning Firearms Background Checks.

CT SB00426

An Act Concerning Court Operations And Administrative Proceedings.

CT HB05420

An Act Concerning The Provision Of Child Support To Children Under The Age Of Twenty-one.

CT SB00359

An Act Concerning Services Provided By The Department Of Children And Families To Relatives Of A Person Whose Death Was Caused By Intimate Partner Violence.

CT SB00212

An Act Concerning The Revisor's Technical Corrections To The General Statutes.

CT HB05365

An Act Concerning Technical Revisions To Statutes Concerning Human Services.

CT HB05382

An Act Concerning The Recommendations Of The Office Of The Child Advocate.

CT SB00127

An Act Concerning The Recommendations Of The Department Of Children And Families Relating To Background Checks, Certain Subsidies, Urgent Crisis Centers, Departmental Records And Special Police Officers.

CT HB05297

An Act Concerning The Decriminalization Of Possession Of Small Amounts Of Psilocybin.

Similar Bills

CT HB05470

An Act Concerning The Provision Of Timely Notice Of Child Placement Information From The Department Of Children And Families To The Attorney Or Guardian Ad Litem Representing The Child In A Child Protection Matter.

CT SB00812

An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Technical Revisions To The Education And Early Childhood Statutes.

CT HB06576

An Act Strengthening Support For Grandparents And Other Nonparent Relatives Raising Children.

CT SB01025

An Act Concerning The Closure Of The Connecticut Juvenile Training School And The Transfer Of Juvenile Justice Programs And Services From The Department Of Children And Families To The Judicial Branch.

CT HB05169

An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Office Of Early Childhood.

CT SB00184

An Act Concerning Children In Need Of Special Services.

CT SB00457

An Act Concerning Clinical Medical Assistants.

CT SB00185

An Act Concerning Reporting Requirements And Minor And Technical Revisions To The General Statutes Affecting The Department Of Children And Families.