SB 5779-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Establishes provisions to preserve sibling relationships for dependent children.

Declares an intent to recognize the importance of emotional ties formed by siblings with each other, especially in those circumstances which warrant court intervention into family relationships.

Encourages the courts and public agencies which deal with families to acknowledge and give thoughtful consideration to the quality and nature of sibling relationships when intervening in family relationships. It is not the intent of the legislature to create legal obligations or responsibilities between siblings and other family members whether by blood or marriage, step families, foster families, or adopted families that do not already exist. Neither is it the intent of the legislature to mandate sibling placement, contact, or visitation if there is reasonable cause to believe that the health, safety, or welfare of a child or siblings would be jeopardized.