Bill > S104

This bill aims to strengthen protections for siblings in the foster care system by requiring the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the courts to prioritize keeping siblings together. Specifically, it mandates that the DCF actively identify all minor siblings and half-siblings of a child in their care and that both the DCF and the court ensure these children are placed in the same home unless the DCF can prove with very strong evidence, known as "clear and convincing evidence," that separating them is in the best interests of one or more of the siblings. If the DCF must separate siblings due to an immediate risk of harm without prior court approval, they must seek court approval within one business day and the court will hold a hearing within seven days, with the DCF bearing the burden of proving the necessity of the separation. Even if a separation is initially approved, children placed apart from their siblings can petition the court for a review, and the DCF must continue to work towards reuniting them, documenting these efforts in the child's case plan.