SB 947 Summary

• Prohibits disability of a parent or caregiver from being considered the sole factor in determining fitness for foster parents, adoptive parents, guardians, persons seeking custody or visitation, or providers of safe family homes.

• Requires the Department of Human Services to not consider disability as the sole factor under sections 346-17 and 346-19.7, and mandates specific written findings if denying petitions from disabled persons.

• Requires courts to not consider disability as the sole factor when appointing guardians under Chapter 560 and mandates specific written findings if denying guardianship to disabled persons.

• Requires courts to not consider disability as the sole factor in custody and visitation determinations under Chapter 571 and mandates specific written findings if denying such requests from disabled persons.

• Requires courts to not consider disability as the sole factor in determining whether a child's family can provide a safe home under Chapter 587A, with mandatory written findings if disability is cited as a barrier to a safe family environment.