SB 996 - This act authorizes the Children's Division of the Department of Social Services to license residential care facilities. The authority of the Department of Health and Senior Services to issue licenses for residential care facilities, foster homes and child placing agencies is repealed.
This act also adds a definition for a foster family group home, which is a private residence providing care for seven to twelve children.
In addition, the definition of foster home is modified. Current law defines a foster home as a private residence providing care to children unattended by their parents and who are unrelated to the licensed operator of the home. The act adds language to this definition so a foster home is a residence that provides care to children removed from their own homes and includes children who are related to the licensed home operator.
This act also modifies current law to include the licensed operator's children in the maximum total of six children who can live in a foster home.
ADRIANE CROUSE