Senate Bill 625 Summary

• Establishes the Division of Children and Family Services within the Department of Human Services with authority to investigate child maltreatment, provide services to dependent-neglected children, and ensure child safety and permanency.

• Requires preferential consideration for relative caregivers in foster care and adoption placements if the relative meets child protection standards and placement is in the child's best interest.

• Mandates notice to grandparents and adult relatives within 30 days when a juvenile is taken into department custody, unless the relative has a domestic violence conviction or child maltreatment finding.

• Establishes requirements for foster care placements including sibling placement together when possible, provisional foster home provisions for relatives, and procedures for placement changes with advance notice to relevant parties.

• Requires comprehensive case plans developed with parents and juveniles, addressing permanency goals, services, visitation, educational continuity, and transition planning for youth aging out of foster care by age 17 or within 90 days of entering care.