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Committee hears bill to let families keep foster home licenses when former foster youth with juvenile adjudications remain in home
Summary
The Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care heard House Bill 2524, which would let the Department for Children and Families grant or maintain family foster home licenses when a resident who was formerly in custody is aged 18–26 (or older at DCF's discretion). Foster parents and providers testified in support; DCF backed the policy but asked amendments to preserve agency discretion and safety review procedures.
The Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care heard testimony on House Bill 2524, a bill that would change KSA 65‑5‑16 to allow the Department for Children and Families to grant or allow maintenance of a family foster home license when a person who was formerly in the secretary's custody resides in the home. Jesse, assistant reviser, told the committee the bill directs DCF to permit licensure in cases where the resident otherwise qualifies and was placed in the home by the secretary and is between ages 18 and 26; the department may also permit licensure for older residents in limited circumstances and the statute provides an administrative appeal for denials.
Why it matters: Supporters said the bill removes a barrier that forces families who adopt or otherwise provide permanency for youth with juvenile adjudications to stop fostering other children or to evict the young adult when they turn 18. Testimony…
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