Requires certain permanency hearing to be held at least every six months.
Impact
Implementation of S2713 is set to significantly affect state laws governing child welfare and the judicial review process in custody cases. By requiring more frequent hearings, the bill seeks to enhance accountability and ensure that children's best interests are consistently evaluated. It emphasizes the importance of timely assessments regarding their living situations, potentially leading to faster decisions about family reunification or alternative placements. Critics of the bill might argue about the efficiency and resource implications of conducting more frequent hearings.
Summary
Senate Bill S2713 focuses on establishing mandatory timelines for permanency hearings concerning children placed in custody. The bill amends existing legislation to require that a permanency hearing be conducted at least every six months if a child remains in placement beyond 12 months, ensuring more regular judicial review of the child's situation and placement status. Previously, law required such hearings only to occur within a 12-month timeframe without a mandate for ongoing hearings. This shift aims to provide improved oversight and safeguard children's welfare while they are under state care.
Contention
While the intent of S2713 is generally positive, mixed opinions may arise regarding the practicality of its provisions. Advocates argue that more frequent reviews can lead to better outcomes for children, whereas detractors might express concerns about the burden this could place on the court system. Furthermore, there is a potential for increased case backlog, which could counteract the bill's goals. Stakeholders in child welfare might also emphasize the necessity for adequate funding and resources to support the implementation of these new mandates.
Requires resource family parent, relative, preadoptive parent, or caretaker to be party to reviews or hearings involving a child under the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families' care.
Requires resource family parent, relative, preadoptive parent, or caretaker to be party to reviews or hearings involving a child under the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families' care.
Determining when a law enforcement officer may or shall take a child into custody and requiring that the secretary provide support to such law enforcement officers, the court review involvement in permanency planning and a permanency hearing for a child in custody of the secretary be held within nine months from such child's removal from the and every subsequent hearing 6 months thereafter.