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Panel backs bill to require 10 hours of foster‑parent training
Summary
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to send S 1292 to the Senate floor; the bill would require a statutory minimum of 10 hours of foster‑parent training with limited exemptions and leaves topic timing to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW).
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted Feb. 17 to send S 1292 to the Senate floor with a do‑pass recommendation. Senator Shippy introduced the bill as a follow‑up to 2025 S 1034 and said it would establish a baseline of 10 hours of training for foster‑parent licensure unless exempted by IDHW.
Senator Shippy said the measure was designed to “effectively equip foster parents and protect foster children” while reducing administrative barriers to becoming licensed. The bill specifies the training concepts that must be covered but leaves the amount of time devoted to each topic to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
Monty Prow, deputy director of IDHW, told the committee the department set a goal to increase foster capacity and cited recent gains: "Today there were 104 foster families for every 100 children in need, a 42 percent increase in 18 months," which IDHW attributed in part to training and retention efforts. Prow said training is already required before placement of children with complex needs and that codifying minimum hours would make expectations consistent across cases.
Committee members clarified the bill addresses training only; other licensure steps such as home studies, interviews and background checks remain IDHW requirements. Senator Wintrow expressed support, saying the training would benefit both foster parents and foster children. Senator Blaylock moved the do‑pass motion, Senator Keyser seconded, and the committee approved S 1292 by voice vote.
The committee record does not include a roll‑call tally. Next step: S 1292 is scheduled to be placed on the Senate floor docket for further consideration.
