SB 1099 Summary

• Extends requirement for local agencies to make diligent efforts to place siblings together in foster care to include wards of the juvenile court, in addition to dependent children.

• Authorizes dependent children, nonminor dependents, wards, and transition dependents to petition the court to assert sibling relationships and request visitation with siblings in parental custody, unless court finds visitation contrary to safety and well-being.

• Requires courts to review reasons for suspension of sibling visitation at each periodic review hearing and make renewed findings that sibling interaction remains contrary to safety or well-being for suspension to continue.

• Mandates social workers and probation officers include detailed information in case plans and reports regarding sibling relationships, visitation frequency/nature, supervision status, and plans to increase visitation between siblings.

• Imposes state-mandated local program requirements on county social workers and probation officers to gather and document expanded sibling information in social studies, evaluations, and case plans.