CT HB05004

Changes emergency placement of children with relative or fictive kin caregivers from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall") when in the child's best interests, requiring criminal background checks within 10 days and written documentation for any placement denials or removals

Establishes multiple grant programs by January 1, 2027: caregiver grants for clothing, food, and necessities; after-school program grants for foster children; and postsecondary education grants for youth in DCF care (ages 18-23)

Creates mandatory training programs for DCF employees on perinatal mood/anxiety disorders, human trafficking, and cultural sensitivity/implicit bias, with completion deadlines by December 31, 2028 for existing employees

Requires DCF to establish a public online dashboard with real-time performance data by January 1, 2027, along with internship and mentorship programs for prospective and new social workers with stipends for participants

Creates a Child Welfare Policy and Oversight Committee with 18+ members including legislators, commissioners, foster parents, and child welfare experts to evaluate state agency operations and submit annual reports beginning January 1, 2028