House Bill 402 Summary

• Requires Department of Health and Welfare employees in child protective services to receive training on constitutional rights of children, parents, and others under investigation.

• Training must inform individuals under investigation that they may refuse home entry without a court warrant, refuse interviews and questions, refuse child examinations without a warrant, and hire an attorney at their own expense.

• Requires caseworker supervisors to review and approve foster care placement changes after a child has been in placement for 60 or more days, considering the child's best interests and factors like school changes and sibling visitation.

• Mandates the department provide written notice to foster parents and the court at least 7 days before planned placement changes, or within 7 days after emergency unplanned changes due to abuse or neglect.

• Department must clearly state reasons for all placement changes in written notice to foster parents and the court.