AK SB181

Requires the Department of Family and Community Services to conduct a diligent search for adult family members or family friends suitable for placement within 30 days of removing a child from parental custody.

The diligent search must include interviewing the child's parents, the child, identified relatives, and other persons with knowledge of family members; conducting comprehensive database searches; and reporting findings to the court at disposition, case review, or permanency hearings.

Changes adoption placement preference to require locating "any" living adult family members (rather than "all") and removes the "good cause" exception language, instead requiring approval if it is in the child's best interests.

For children under six years old, prioritizes placement with an adult family member or, in the child's best interests, a licensed foster home that has provided at least 12 consecutive months of prior care.

The Department shall assist adult family members and family friends in gathering information necessary to request variances from foster care licensing requirements; establishes that poverty or inadequate housing alone are not sufficient reasons to deny such placements.

Takes effect January 1, 2025.