ID HCR059

Authorizes the Legislative Council to appoint a committee to study Idaho's foster care system and Idaho Code provisions governing conservatorship and guardianship of adults, minors, and persons with developmental disabilities.

Identifies major concerns with Idaho's foster care system including traumatic effects of placement changes, lack of clear standards for appropriate foster homes, punitive removal of children from foster parents, and fear among foster parents of retaliation for speaking out.

Notes that foster youth experience higher rates of homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration as adults, and that a significant number of Idaho foster children also enter the juvenile corrections system.

Addresses inefficient integration between Chapter 5, Title 15, Idaho Code (governing conservatorship and guardianship of adults and minors) and Chapter 4, Title 66, Idaho Code (governing treatment and care of developmentally disabled persons).

Requires the committee to report findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the First Regular Session of the Sixty-fourth Idaho Legislature; allows nonlegislative members to be appointed without voting privileges or reimbursement.