CT HB05503

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that appointing a grandparent (or other blood/marriage relative if no grandparent is identified) as guardian is in the best interests of a minor child in custody cases.

Requires the Commissioner of Children and Families to exercise due diligence to identify all grandparents first, and then other adult relatives, when a child is removed from parental custody.

Mandates the Commissioner provide identified grandparents and relatives with notice within 30 days of removal, including information about care options, foster care licensing requirements, and the subsidized guardianship program.

Both provisions take effect October 1, 2011, and amend Connecticut General Statutes sections 45a-617 and 17a-101m.