Bill > SB2091

This bill makes several changes to the procedures and grounds for terminating the parent-child relationship, taking possession of a child, and holding certain hearings in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship involving the Department of Family and Protective Services. Specifically, the bill clarifies what evidence does not constitute clear and convincing evidence for termination, requires the court to consider the emotional distress of disrupting the parent-child relationship when removing a child, and sets timelines for the Department to return a child to a parent or other caretaker after removal. The bill also adds new provisions related to the Department filing suit to require a parent's participation in services without removing the child.