SB 127 Summary

• Raises the age threshold for household members requiring criminal background checks from 16 to 18 years old for foster care and adoption applicants, with an exception allowing waiver of checks if completed within the previous 12 months.

• Allows placement of children with relatives or fictive kin caregivers without full licensure if a home visit and basic family assessment are completed, followed by federal name-based criminal history search and state/national checks within 10 days.

• Enables transfer of guardianship and adoption subsidies to successor guardians or adoptive parents upon death, severe disability, or serious illness of the original caregiver.

• Changes "urgent crisis centers" from licensed to certified facilities by the Department of Children and Families for treating children's mental and behavioral health needs.

• Authorizes appointment of up to two special police officers nominated by the Commissioner of Children and Families with full state police powers for background checks, threat assessments, and security response at department facilities.