Bill > H0724

This bill establishes specific safety-related rights for children in foster care in Idaho, aiming to ensure their well-being while under state supervision. It outlines these rights, including the right to a safe and healthy living environment, freedom from abuse, timely medical and forensic assessments for sexual abuse disclosures, adequate basic necessities, and the ability for courts to limit or deny visitation if it jeopardizes a child's safety. The bill also mandates that the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare create a written notice detailing these rights, which must be given to each child upon placement, at placement changes, and annually, and posted in licensed foster homes. While these rights are broad, the bill clarifies that it does not expand the state's authority beyond existing law, nor does it create new legal actions or enforcement mechanisms, with alleged violations to be addressed within existing juvenile court proceedings.

Health and Social Services

Health and Welfare Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0724/