SF 2258 – DHS child welfare
FLOOR ACTION:
SF 2258, as amended by the House, makes changes to implement federal requirements of the “Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act.” Children in foster care leave their homes and sometime their school and community. This causes interruption in typical development. The bill attempts to help youth in foster care have the most normal experience and ensure they have opportunities to prepare for adulthood. In addition, the bill holds state agencies and partners accountable to recognize and respond to sex trafficking of minors.
The bill also:
- Starts transitioning activities at 14 instead of 16.
- Defines the Reasonable & Prudent Parent Standard, which allows foster parents to approve some activities.
- Restricts the use of Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA).
- Defines sex trafficking as child abuse.
The amendment establishes a Drug Endangered Children Workgroup, which will meet twice during the interim and report to the Legislature by December 15, 2016.
[3/22: 47-0 (Chelgren, Feenstra, Schneider excused)]