HB5418: FOSTER CHILDREN'S RIGHTS

Legislative Summary

Amends the Foster Children's Bill of Rights Act. Expands the list of rights under the Foster Children's Bill of Rights to include the following: (1) The right to participate in an age and developmentally appropriate intake process immediately after placement in the custody or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services, during which, the Department shall: (i) provide the youth a document describing inappropriate acts of affection, discipline, and punishment by guardians, foster parents, foster siblings, or any other adult responsible for the youth's welfare; and (ii) review and discuss the document with the child. (2) The right to participate in appropriate intervention and counseling services after removal from the home of origin in order to assess whether the youth is exhibiting signs of traumatic stress, special needs, or mental illness. (3) The right to receive a home visit by an assigned child welfare specialist, per existing Department policies and procedures, on a monthly basis or more frequently as needed. (4) The right to be enrolled in an independent living services program prior to transitioning out of foster care where the youth shall receive classes and instruction, appropriate to the youth's age and developmental capacity, on independent living and self-sufficiency in the areas of employment, finances, meals, and housing as well as help in developing life skills and long-term goals. (5) The right to be assessed by a third-party entity or agency prior to enrollment in any independent living program in order to determine the youth's readiness for a transition out of foster care based on the youth's individual needs, emotional development, and ability, regardless of age, to make a successful transition to adulthood.