New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1662

Introduced
12/15/23  

Caption

Relative to restricting simultaneous employment of certain department of health and human services staff with adoption or child placement agencies.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1662 would significantly modify employment protocols within the DCYF, particularly affecting current and future foster parenting pathways for DCYF employees. The Department of Health and Human Services anticipates a reduction in the number of qualified foster parents, estimated at approximately 10 foster homes per year. This reduction could directly affect about 13 children, necessitating alternative care placements that may incur additional costs to the foster care system. The long-term budget projections for associated costs suggest notable increases in state expenditures, ranging from $131,000 to $351,000 in the subsequent fiscal years.

Summary

House Bill 1662, introduced in 2024, seeks to restrict simultaneous employment of staff from the Department of Health and Human Services' Division for Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) with licensed adoption or child placement agencies. This legislative move aims to minimize potential conflicts of interest and ensure that employees engaged in child welfare services are not also working for agencies that could influence or interact with their official duties. The bill is positioned as a protective measure for at-risk children, enhancing the integrity of the child welfare system.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1662 is mixed, with proponents claiming the bill promotes ethical standards and safeguards child welfare services, allowing for more focused and unbiased oversight. However, opponents express concerns that the restriction may diminish the pool of available foster parents, particularly skilled individuals already involved with the DCYF, thereby exacerbating existing challenges in the foster care system. Critics highlight the potential for increased disruptions in the placement of children currently under the foster care system, arguing that this might lead to a shortage of homes available for vulnerable youth.

Contention

A notable point of contention within the discussions of HB 1662 revolves around the interpretation of its provisions concerning retroactive application. The Department of Health and Human Services struggles with whether current DCYF employees who also serve as foster parents will be grandfathered into the new regulations. This ambiguity could lead to increased litigation regarding employment rights and the qualifications for foster parenting based on employment status. Advocacy groups are particularly concerned about the implications of trimming the foster care network at a time when demand for placements is critical.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB107

Relative to employment restrictions for registered sex offenders.

NH HB497

Relative to the confidentiality of records within the division of children, youth, and families.

NH HB91

Relative to privacy obligations of the department of health and human services.

NH SB115

Relative to making an appropriation to the department of health and human services for the purpose of funding vaccine administration through public health departments.

NH SB123

Relative to the adoption of ambient groundwater quality standards by the department of environmental services.

NH HB521

Relative to the department of education payment for placement for an episode of treatment.

NH HB282

Relative to including certain children and pregnant women in Medicaid and the children's health insurance program.

NH HB583

Relative to the termination of child support.

NH HB120

Relative to the closure of the Sununu Youth Services Center and operation of a replacement secure facility.

NH HB406

Relative to parental access to children's medical records.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.