Bill > SB00297

This bill, effective October 1, 2026, modifies court proceedings involving children or youth alleged to be uncared for, neglected, or abused by requiring courts to specify the steps parents must take to regain custody of their child or to maintain custody under protective supervision. The bill also clarifies definitions for "permanent legal guardianship," which is a permanent guardianship as defined by law, and "caregiver," which includes fictive kin (friends or individuals not related by blood or marriage but acting as family), relative caregivers, and licensed foster parents. Additionally, it defines "trial home visit" as a temporary placement of a child back with their parent or guardian. The bill also establishes a rebuttable presumption that placing a child in the care of their current caregiver or temporary custodian is in the child's best interest when parental rights are terminated or guardianship is vested elsewhere.

Justice

Judiciary Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00297&which_year=2026