Vote Smart's Synopsis:

A vote to pass a bill that limits the time it takes foster parents to file a motion terminating the birth parents' parental rights.

Highlights:

• Authorizes foster parents to apply to the Department of Social Services for legal, permanent custody within 30 days of initial removing custody, if determined that the following has occurred, including (Sec. 3):

• The juvenile is an infant born with a non-medically based drug exposure;

• The parent is unable to discharge parental responsibilities due to a history of chronic drug abuse; and

• There is reasonable grounds to believe that the parents substance abuse will continue based on the opinion of a licensed healthcare provider.

• Requires the Department to use due diligence and notify adult relatives, next of kin, and other individuals with legal custody over a sibling of the juvenile under the age of 3 within 30 days of the initial removal, and to file with the court the attempts made (Sec. 4).

• Specifies that once a child under the age of 3 resides in a foster parent's home for a continuous 9 month period, the foster parent shall be deemed non-relative kin (Sec. 6).

• Specifies that the goal of the Department is to place infants under the age of 3 in a prospective permanent placement within 12 months of the initial date of removing custody (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text