HB 2046-S2.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Directs the department, within available resources, to provide a foster parent liaison position in each department region.  The foster parent liaison shall enhance the working relationship between department case workers and foster parents.

     Requires a contract with a non-profit organization to provide the liaison function.

     Requires the department, within available resources, to increase the number of adoptive and foster families available to accept children through an intensive recruitment program.

     Authorizes the secretary or the secretary's designee to purchase services from nonprofit agencies for the sole purpose of conducting home studies for legally free children who have been awaiting adoption finalization in foster or group care.

     Requires that after the effective date of this act, the department shall provide to every foster parent who receives a foster child a passport that contains a complete report containing all known and available information concerning the mental, physical, legal, health, and educational status of the child.

     Applies to children who have been in a foster home for ninety consecutive days or more.

     Authorizes the department to provide child care for foster parents attending training.