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Committee forwards bill requiring foster children be informed of rights in writing and orally
Summary
The committee reported Senate Bill 886 to the full Senate; the bill would require agencies to provide a written foster child bill of rights in the child’s primary language and to inform children orally in age-appropriate terms, with optional signed acknowledgment placed in the case file.
The Senate Health Committee reported Senate Bill 886 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass.
Counsel explained the bill requires that a child in foster care be informed of his or her rights in an age-appropriate manner. Agencies must provide a written copy of the foster child bill of rights to each child placed in foster care or kinship placement in the child’s primary language where possible, and inform the child orally in simple terms or, for children with intellectual, vision or hearing impairments, in a manner reasonably expected to be understood. The bill allows—but does not require—a child to sign an acknowledgment that they understand the rights; counsel said if signed the document would go in the child’s case file. Counsel also said that agencies, foster homes or residential facilities must provide a copy of the bill of rights to the child if requested.
Counsel told the committee there is no fiscal note, the Department of Human Services is the affected agency and the bill’s effective date would be 90 days. After receiving no amendments, the committee voted to report the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass.
The transcript records adoption by voice vote; the chair stated the ayes have it.
