Bill > H0723

This bill establishes new provisions for the oversight of residential care facilities for children in Idaho, aiming to enhance their safety and well-being. It mandates that the Department of Health and Welfare (the department) conduct regular, unannounced inspections of these facilities to assess the quality of care, including reviewing quality assurance programs, program descriptions, and resident feedback. The bill also requires facilities to develop and document individualized service plans for each child, outlining their needs, goals, and the services to be provided, with these plans updated regularly. Furthermore, it introduces a "Youth Bill of Rights" that facilities must post, distribute, and explain to children and their families, ensuring children are aware of their rights regarding safety, healthcare, communication, and freedom from abuse, with clear procedures for reporting concerns. Finally, the bill defines "critical incidents" – events that threaten a child's safety or well-being, such as death, serious self-harm, abuse, or unauthorized absence – and requires facilities to report these incidents to the department and affected families promptly, while also maintaining logs for review.

Health and Social Services

Health and Welfare Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0723/