Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Child Welfare topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate unanimously passes bill shortening review and custody timelines in child‑protective cases
Summary
Senate Bill 10‑90 passed the Senate 35-0 to shorten review hearings and custody timelines in juvenile protective proceedings, allowing courts to consider bonds with substitute caretakers and biological parents’ progress when deciding permanency.
The Idaho Senate on Feb. 25 unanimously approved Senate Bill 10‑90, legislation that changes timelines and factors considered in juvenile protection cases to speed permanency decisions for children in foster care. The Senate vote was 35 in favor, none opposed.
Senator Galloway, who sponsored the bill, said it was prompted by a constituent and a foster parent who described a difficult case. "This legislation solves two problems and it is good for foster kids, it's good for biological parents, and it's good for foster families," Galloway said on the floor.
The bill makes three principal changes as described by the sponsor: it permits the court to consider the bond a child forms with a substitute caretaker, it shortens the interval between review hearings from six months to two months, and it shortens custody timelines from "15 of 22 months" to "12 of 22 months." Galloway argued the earlier timeframes help prevent cases from stagnating and promote quicker reunification or placement in a permanent home.
The sponsor said she worked with foster families, the Department of Health and Welfare and court personnel while drafting the bill. Senator Shippey, who identified himself as a foster parent, spoke in support.
The bill passed the Senate without opposition and will be transmitted to the House for consideration.
What’s next: SB 10‑90 will be sent to the Idaho House for its consideration.
