Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2671

Introduced
3/21/24  
Engrossed
4/2/24  
Introduced
3/21/24  
Engrossed
4/2/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to aid, processes, services, and support staff for children in, adopted from, or in need of foster care, including the establishment of a legal representation for juvenile cases interim study committee, and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 2242.)

Impact

One of the key impacts of HF2671 is its provision for adjusting reimbursement rates paid to foster parents. Specifically, the bill proposes increasing these rates by 10% beginning June 30, 2024, which signifies a financial commitment to support those providing care to at-risk children. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) review and amend rules regarding foster care reimbursement and adoption subsidies, which could lead to more responsive financial frameworks that reflect the actual costs associated with raising children in foster care settings.

Summary

House File 2671 (HF2671) addresses various aspects related to aid, processes, services, and support staff for children in foster care, those adopted from foster care, or those needing foster care. The bill establishes a legal representation for juvenile cases interim study committee and includes provisions for making appropriations to improve foster care services. It aims to amend existing laws surrounding the treatment and support of children in these scenarios, indicating a systematic effort to enhance the welfare of vulnerable children within the state's care system.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention arise from the bill's implications on judicial processes related to children's mental health treatment. HF2671 allows a court to intervene when a child needs treatment for severe mental health issues, even if parental support is not forthcoming. This adjustment raises concerns regarding parental rights and the circumstances under which state intervention is warranted. Furthermore, removing prior stipulations for special needs support introduces debates about adequacy and accessibility, highlighting the balance that must be struck between state oversight and family autonomy.

Companion Bills

IA HF2242

Similar To A bill for an act relating to aid, processes, services, and support staff for children in, adopted from, or in need of foster care, and making appropriations.(See HF 2671.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2242

A bill for an act relating to aid, processes, services, and support staff for children in, adopted from, or in need of foster care, and making appropriations.(See HF 2671.)

IA HF873

A bill for an act relating to aid, processes, services, and reimbursement for services associated with children in, adopted from, or in need of foster care.(Formerly HF 86.)

IA HF86

A bill for an act relating to aid, processes, and services for children in, adopted from, or in need of foster care.(See HF 873.)

IA HF2580

A bill for an act relating to legal representation for children who are placed in, or may be placed in, foster care.(Formerly HF 2209.)

IA HF953

A bill for an act relating to legal representation for children who are placed in, or may be placed in, foster care.(Formerly HF 373.)

IA HF2209

A bill for an act relating to legal representation for children who are placed in, or may be placed in, foster care.(See HF 2580.)

IA HF373

A bill for an act relating to legal representation for children who are placed in, or may be placed in, foster care.(See HF 953.)

IA HSB153

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.)

IA SSB1120

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.)

IA HF833

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.)

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