Bill > HB1374

This bill modifies provisions related to kinship care, which is when a child is placed with relatives or other close family members instead of in traditional foster care. Specifically, it aims to clarify and adjust financial assistance and certification processes for these caregivers. The bill states that "certified" kinship foster care homes will receive financial support at the same rate as regular foster care homes, with funding subject to available appropriations. It removes provisions that previously offered financial assistance to "non-certified" kinship care homes, except where required by federal law (specifically, the "Social Security Act," a federal law that provides for social welfare programs) or certain state statutes, and mandates that the state department create a standardized notice for non-certified kinship care providers informing them about the discontinuation of their assistance and options for becoming certified, including provisional certification. Additionally, the bill clarifies that courts should not delay permanency planning for children by considering placement solely for the purpose of maintaining financial support for a non-certified kinship care home, unless there are exceptional circumstances. It also updates requirements for county departments to contact relatives and kin when a child is removed from their home, ensuring they are informed about placement options and available services, including information on obtaining provisional certification as a kinship foster home.