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House requires child-placing agencies to give adoptive-parents key information; bill passes unanimously
Summary
HB192 requires child-placing agencies to inform prospective adoptive parents about DCFS custody children, Medicaid availability, tax/financial assistance, training/support, and how to obtain child-specific information; DCFS to prepare and distribute a pamphlet. The measure passed the House 74–0.
House Bill 192, sponsored by Representative Stevens, passed the Utah House unanimously on Jan. 19. The measure requires licensed child-placing agencies working with potential adoptive parents to provide five specific pieces of information about children in Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) custody: that those children may be available for adoption, that Medicaid coverage may be available (not based on family income except in limited circumstances), information about tax benefits and financial assistance, training and ongoing support for adoptive parents, and how to obtain child-specific information from DCFS.
Representative Stevens said the bill was developed in consultation with the Department of Human Services, DCFS and the Utah Adoption Council and is intended to expedite adoption for children in state custody. The bill also requires child-placing agencies to distribute a pamphlet prepared by DCFS and to certify compliance as part of relicensing. The sponsor said the bill’s costs will be handled within existing budgets.
The House voted 74–0 to pass HB192; the bill will be referred to the Senate.
