Senate committee hears bill to clarify in‑home dependency use after fentanyl‑linked child fatalities

Senate Bill 5,979, sponsored by Sen. Nikki Torres, was the first bill the Senate Human Services Committee briefed on the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 28, as lawmakers focused on child welfare responses to a rise in fentanyl‑related critical incidents. The bill would require the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to work with judicial officers, court administrators and child‑welfare professionals to develop practice guidelines and trainings for the use of in‑home dependency proceedings and to weigh the presence of high‑potency synthetic opioids when initiating dependency proceedings.

Allison Mendiola, committee staff, told the panel the bill directs petitioners to include a “clear and specific statement” explaining the harm that will occur if court‑ordered services are not provided when a petitioner is not seeking removal. The bill also sets parameters for DCYF on initiation of dependency proceedings (including a…