SB2 Summary

• Department of Human Resources cannot consider out-of-state relatives for kinship guardian appointment unless the relative notifies the department within six months after the child is placed in the department's legal custody.

• A kinship guardian appointment requires a written request to the juvenile court alleging specific facts about the child, caregiver, criminal background checks, and Indian Child Welfare Act compliance if applicable.

• Kinship guardian applicants must meet residency requirements, parental consent conditions, and demonstrate the child has resided with them for six months or more without parental custody.

• Kinship guardians receive parental-like authority over education, medical care, and daily decisions, but cannot consent to adoption or name changes; biological parents retain those rights and child support obligations.

• The appointment becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and governor approval.