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Senate backs public‑private plan to recruit and train foster families
Summary
SB 163 would create a Utah Child Welfare Foundation to contract with state agencies for recruitment, standardized training, and support of foster families using public‑private partnerships; the Senate advanced the bill to third reading unanimously recorded on Feb. 20, 1998.
Senator Tanner presented Senate Bill 163 as a coordinated, statewide approach to recruit and train foster families and to provide ongoing support. The bill creates a Utah Child Welfare Foundation to contract with the Department of Human Services and the Division of Child and Family Services. The foundation would raise funds, hire staff, and deliver recruitment and training services as a public‑private partner under contract.
Sponsor’s rationale: Tanner said foster care requires an infrastructure of recruitment, training and evaluation to ensure placement stability for children removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or dependency. The bill explicitly creates standardized assessment and training curricula and contemplates immunity protections for private partners working under contract with the state.
Outcome: The clerk announced SB 163 had 25 aye votes, no nays and 4 absent; the measure passed to the third‑reading calendar.
Next steps: The measure will return for third reading and, if passed, will require contracting details and budgetary arrangements for any staff or program costs the foundation incurs.
Attribution: Coverage based on floor remarks by Senator Tanner during the Feb. 20 session.
Ending: The bill advanced on a near‑unanimous vote and sponsors indicated readiness to provide detailed organizational plans to interested senators.
