HB 27 Summary - Child Protection and Opportunity Act

• Requires the Department of Health and Social Services to actively recruit quality foster parents and adoptive parents when shortages exist.

• Extends state custody of children in foster care up to age 21 (previously 19), with court approval and the person's consent after age 19.

• Mandates the department search for placements with family members or family friends meeting foster care licensing requirements when transferring children between placements.

• Allows children 16 and older in state custody to use transitional living arrangements, including student dormitory residence at postsecondary institutions, designed to assist transition to independent living.

• Requires courts to make written findings at permanency hearings regarding whether the department is making reasonable efforts to find permanent placements for children remaining in out-of-home care, and authorizes courts to order the department to increase such efforts.

• Permits children in foster care to remain in their current school through the end of the school term when transferred to new placements in the same municipality, with the department covering transportation costs if other funding is unavailable.