Bill > S0728

This bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework for ensuring sibling visitation rights for children who have been separated through adoption, foster care, or guardianship. Under the new law, the family court will be required to enter a decree granting post-separation sibling privileges when children are separated, which includes the right to visit, contact, and interact with their siblings. The court must grant these privileges if it determines that such contact serves the best interests of the child, finds a significant emotional attachment between the siblings, and if the adoptive/foster parents, guardians, and potentially birth parents can negotiate a visitation agreement. The bill requires adoptive parents, foster parents, and guardians to cooperate with facilitating sibling contact, and involves the department of children, youth and families in recommending visitation unless there is a risk of physical or mental harm. Siblings aged 12 and older have the right to be heard in court regarding these privileges, and any modifications to the visitation agreement must be reviewed and approved by the family court, always prioritizing the child's best interests. Importantly, the bill prohibits monetary damages in disputes over sibling visitation and provides a structured process for establishing and potentially modifying sibling contact arrangements.

Justice

https://status.rilegislature.gov/