Bill > HB2611

This bill, titled the "Youth Safety, Rights and Mental Health Protection Act," aims to enhance the safety and well-being of children in group homes and foster care by strengthening regulations and clarifying rights. Key provisions include expanding the rights of children in foster care and kinship foster care to include freedom from bullying and discrimination, and the right to voluntarily participate in enrichment activities. For employees of group foster homes, the bill mandates random quarterly drug screening with reporting of results to the department, and requires immediate removal from child contact and potential termination if confirmatory drug tests are positive. It also introduces new requirements for group foster homes, such as comprehensive background checks for employees, mandatory training in trauma-informed care and mental health crisis management, prohibition of personal cell phone use by employees while on duty, mechanisms for reporting staff misconduct, and documentation of children's medical and mental health appointments. Furthermore, the bill establishes minimum security standards for juvenile group homes, including secure entry and exit points, functional locks, and monitored common areas, along with trauma-informed safety protocols to prevent exploitation and unauthorized exits by residents, and allows for unannounced inspections and independent audits.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84421