Substitute Senate Bill No. 156 Summary

• Requires the Commissioner of Children and Families to ensure children in state custody receive visitation with parents and siblings unless court orders otherwise.

• Mandates sibling visitation occur at least once per week on average when both children reside within the state and within 50 miles of each other, unless the commissioner determines this frequency is not in the child's best interests.

• Requires the commissioner to consider each sibling's age, developmental level, and relationship continuation when determining the number, frequency, and duration of visits.

• Directs the commissioner to document in each child's plan of treatment the factors considered for visitation decisions and provide reasons if recommended visitation frequency is deemed not in the child's best interests.

• Requires the commissioner to report annually to the General Assembly's select committee on children matters regarding compliance with sibling visitation requirements.

• Establishes Youth Advisory Boards in each Department of Children and Families regional office to draft a "Sibling Bill of Rights" addressing protection of separated sibling relationships.