CS/CS/HB 1473 Summary

• Creates a comprehensive case record face sheet requirement for every child under department supervision, including child and family information, contact details, court hearing information, and placement history, with monthly updates mandatory.

• Establishes child and family team meetings to coordinate placement decisions, requiring consideration of siblings, school continuity, and child preferences; mandates transition plans with at least 14 days' notice before placement changes (except emergencies).

• Prioritizes initial out-of-home placements in order: nonoffending parent, relatives, sibling's adoptive parent, fictive kin, licensed foster homes, then group care; prioritizes keeping children in stable placements for 9+ months.

• Creates the Office of Continuing Care to provide support and care coordination to young adults aging out of foster care between ages 18-26, with expanded Road-to-Independence Program services including postsecondary education support and aftercare services.

• Adds parental rights reinstatement provisions allowing courts to restore parental rights if specific criteria are met, followed by supervised visitation and trial home visits, with clear and convincing evidence required that reinstatement is in the child's best interest.