CS for CS for CS for SB 1650 - Child Welfare Summary

• Establishes a 1-year maximum timeframe for reunification after child removal or adjudication, with parents required to take action to comply with case plans and notify courts of barriers to completion.

• Expands the definition of "harm" to include newborns born during an open dependency case when a parent or caregiver has been determined to lack protective capacity and has not substantially complied with the reunification case plan.

• Requires courts to hold permanency status hearings every 60 days for children expected to remain in out-of-home care longer than 12 months, and mandates written orders specifying deadlines for continued hearings.

• Limits total continuances to 60 days within any 12-month period, including court-ordered continuances, with extensions allowed only for extraordinary circumstances or to preserve constitutional rights.

• Requires parents to provide accurate contact information, make proactive contact with caseworkers every 14 calendar days regarding case plan progress, and report barriers to case plan completion within a reasonable timeframe.