AK SB88

Foster parents with whom a child has resided for at least 18 months gain the right to request a hearing to oppose a proposed transfer, and may obtain medical or psychological evaluations at their own cost to provide evidence at the hearing

Requires the Department of Family and Community Services to conduct a "diligent search" within 30 days of removing a child, including interviewing parents, the child, relatives, and conducting database searches to locate adult family members or family friends suitable for placement

For children under six years of age, adult family members seeking adoption must be approved unless the child has resided with a foster family seeking adoption for at least 24 months and clear and convincing evidence shows continued placement with the foster family is in the child's best interests

Health care providers subject to HIPAA must provide a foster child's medical records to the foster parent upon request

Effective date: January 1, 2026