CT SB00043

Requires permanency review hearings for children in foster care ten months after voluntary admission and annually thereafter, with court approval of permanency plans considering the child's best interests and health and safety.

Changes terminology from "certified" to "licensed" for foster family definitions and removes references to "relative caregiver" certification in permanency planning options.

Establishes new authority for the Commissioner of Children and Families to provide funds to foster and adoptive families for modifying their homes to accommodate children with physical disabilities, within available appropriations.

Mandates screening of children 36 months or younger who are victims of substantiated abuse or neglect for developmental and social-emotional delays twice annually using validated assessment tools, with referrals to birth-to-three and prevention programs.

Requires annual reporting to the legislature on screening and referral outcomes, including numbers of children served, evaluated, and found eligible for developmental services.