Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF174

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the placement of a child who is the subject of a pending delinquency petition in a supervised apartment living arrangement pursuant to a consent decree, and the circumstances under which the placement is paid by the state.(Formerly SSB 1007.)

Notes

Overall, SF174 represents an important step in juvenile justice reform by incorporating more flexible placement options for children. However, the law's success will depend heavily on the ability of HHS to develop effective standards for supervised apartments and to ensure that the requisite support systems are in place for children transitioning out of treatment facilities.

Impact

The bill amends existing state laws to clarify the conditions under which a child can be placed in a supervised apartment living arrangement. Under the new provisions, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be responsible for funding these placements, provided they meet established requirements. This shift aims to facilitate smoother transitions for children coming out of institutional settings, potentially reducing the likelihood of recidivism and enabling better outcomes as they move towards independence.

Summary

Senate File 174 pertains to the placement of children who are the subjects of pending delinquency petitions in supervised apartment living arrangements (SALs). This bill specifically enables courts to consider SAL placements as part of a consent decree for children who meet certain criteria, such as having lived in a qualified residential treatment program or shelter for a minimum of six months. The overarching goal is to better support youth who are transitioning to independent living without adequate family support.

Contention

While this bill finds bipartisan support aimed at enhancing child welfare, discussions among legislators have highlighted concerns regarding its practical implementation. Critics might argue that simply placing children in supervised arrangements does not address the deeper systemic issues that contribute to juvenile delinquency, such as mental health challenges and lack of family support. On the other hand, proponents maintain that establishing clear guidelines and state-supported placements could provide much-needed stability for vulnerable youth.

Companion Bills

IA SSB1007

Related A bill for an act relating to the placement of a child who is the subject of a pending delinquency petition in a supervised apartment living arrangement pursuant to a consent decree, and the circumstances under which the placement is paid by the state.(See SF 174.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2344

A bill for an act relating to the placement of a child who is the subject of a pending delinquency petition in a supervised apartment living arrangement pursuant to a consent decree, and the circumstances under which the placement is paid by the state.(Formerly SSB 3007.)

IA HF2134

A bill for an act relating to the placement of a child who is the subject of a pending delinquency petition in a supervised apartment living arrangement pursuant to a consent decree, and the circumstances under which the placement is paid by the state.(Formerly HSB 513.)

IA HSB513

A bill for an act relating to the placement of a child who is the subject of a pending delinquency petition in a supervised apartment living arrangement pursuant to a consent decree, and the circumstances under which the placement is paid by the state.(See HF 2134.)

IA SSB3007

A bill for an act relating to the placement of a child who is the subject of a pending delinquency petition in a supervised apartment living arrangement pursuant to a consent decree, and the circumstances under which the placement is paid by the state.(See SF 2344.)

IA HF474

A bill for an act relating to placement of custody of a newborn infant under the newborn safe haven Act. (Formerly HF 195.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF2102

A bill for an act relating to replacement of the term visitation with the term parenting time relative to time awarded to a parent.(Formerly HSB 505.)

IA HF195

A bill for an act relating to placement of custody of a newborn infant under the newborn safe haven Act.(See HF 474.)

IA SF328

A bill for an act relating to the modification of a bridge order issued pursuant to a previous child in need of assistance case.(Formerly SSB 1066.)

IA SF2338

A bill for an act relating to the placement of a police officer on a Brady-Giglio list, including the right of a police officer to petition the court and the standard of proof required for actions regarding such placement.(Formerly SF 2200.)

IA HF2671

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.)

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