Bill > HB1779

This bill aims to support the cultural identity of children in foster care by introducing several key provisions. The legislation requires the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to consider a child's cultural background when making foster care placements and develop resources to support their cultural heritage. It defines key terms like "cultural background" and "cultural heritage" and establishes a new concept of "cultural foster care" that seeks to place children with families who share or respect their cultural background. The bill mandates that foster parents complete training on cultural awareness and sensitivity, and requires each foster child to be assigned a cultural advocate within 30 days of placement. These cultural advocates will assess the child's cultural needs, help foster families integrate the child's cultural background, and facilitate connections with cultural community resources. Additionally, the bill creates a Cultural Foster Care Fund to support these initiatives and adds a provision to the Foster Care Children's Bill of Rights guaranteeing children the right to live in an environment that maintains and reflects their cultural background. The legislation will take effect on January 1, 2027, and is expected to require approximately 14 new case aide positions to implement the cultural advocacy program.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1631&inflect=2