HB 151 Summary

• Establishes workload standards requiring child welfare workers to supervise no more than 6 families in their first 3 months, 12 families by month 6, and an average statewide caseload of 13 families per worker.

• Requires the department to search for placements with adult family members or family friends before placing children in licensed foster homes, with supervisor certification of search efforts.

• Grants foster parents the right to make decisions for children using a "reasonable and prudent parent standard" for age-appropriate activities including travel, sports, and extracurricular activities.

• Allows children age 14 and older to select up to two adults to participate in development of case plans and permanency goals, with one designated as their advisor.

• Requires the department to provide youth released from custody with birth certificates, social security cards, health insurance information, medical records, driver's licenses, and tribal blood certificates.

• Provides immunity from lawsuits for the department's failure to meet workload standards if caused by insufficient appropriations or inability to recruit qualified employees.