Bill > S1266

This bill makes several changes to Idaho's laws regarding foster care placement, aiming to improve the system for children and the processes involved. Key provisions include modifying the timelines for review hearings for children in extended foster care, which is a program that allows individuals to remain in foster care beyond the age of 18 up to age 23 to help them transition to adulthood, by requiring these reviews at least every six months instead of the previous two-month requirement. It also revises definitions within the law, notably expanding the definition of "kin" to include extended family members and those with significant family-like relationships, and clarifying that "foster care" and "foster home" can include care provided by licensed "kin" when a child is placed by the department. Additionally, the bill changes the term "relative foster care" to "kinship foster care" and allows the department to establish separate licensing standards for "kin" if a child's health and safety are not endangered, streamlining the process for placing children with their extended family or close family-like connections.

Health and Social Services, Justice

Health and Welfare Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1266/