HB 2378 Summary

• Accelerates adoption timelines for children 16 and older who are free for adoption, have consented to adoption, and have lived with prospective adoptive parents for at least six months by requiring the department to complete required social studies within six months.

• Adds expedited hearing provisions allowing courts to fast-track adoption proceedings when a child is 16 or older, free for adoption, consents to the adoption, and has lived with the prospective adoptive parent for at least six months.

• Requires the department to notify public education agencies of parent contact information when a child in out-of-home care needs special education services, and to identify an alternative parent if the initial parent cannot be located.

• Adds new annual reporting requirements for child welfare data beginning in 2022, including the number of children in substantiated neglect cases and how many were removed within 30 days or six months of report receipt.

• Makes technical corrections to adoption-related provisions regarding criminal records checks and visitation rights for prospective adoptive parents.