SB 665 - This act modifies current law regarding diligent searches for grandparents or relatives when a child is removed from a home and is need of placement. This act further defines what a diligent search for relatives shall entail and what notice should be provided to any relatives found of their rights to become a foster parent for the child. Relatives shall have 30 days to respond to a notice in order to have preferential placement in accordance with current law. All diligent search efforts and placements shall be completed within 6 months of the child entering the custody of the state, unless the court determines otherwise by clear and convincing evidence. There shall be a preference of placement for a child to remain in a supportive foster family placement if the child has remained in that placement for a period of 6 months for a child under 3 years of age and 9 months for a child 3 years of age or older. Finally, this act modifies preferential placement for relatives by removing the distinction between relatives in the third degree and other relatives and adding foster parents or kinship caregivers with whom a child has resided for 9 months or more in the definition of a relative.
SARAH HASKINS