- Introduced -

SB 828 - This act outlines the rights and responsibilities of the Division of Family Services and foster parents. A new Section 453.330 is created to list rights and duties including:

- treatment of parents and children;

- clear explanation of a foster parent's role;

- training and support;

- pre-placement visits and sharing information about the child;

- participation in case management of the child;

- notification of court hearings;

- communication with professionals;

- decision-making authority;

- ability to request removal of a child in certain cases;

- preference of foster parents as permanent parents;

- provision of twenty-four hour assistance;

- timely reimbursement; and

- confidentiality.

An additional new Section 453.333 is created to note a foster parent's right to be free from reprisal. The Department of Social Services is prohibited from retaliating against a foster parent in certain circumstances.

ERIN MOTLEY