House Bill 403 Summary

• Amends Section 16-1601 of Idaho Code to revise the state's policy statement on child protection and judicial processing of abuse, abandonment, and neglect cases.

• Establishes that child health and safety shall be the primary concern while preserving parental protections and rights under Idaho Code sections 32-1010 through 32-1012.

• Requires the state to seek family preservation, protection, enhancement, and reunification to the fullest extent possible when children are removed from parental custody.

• Adds provisions clarifying the rights and responsibilities of parents with joint legal or joint physical custody of children at risk.

• Mandates maintaining sibling bonds by placing siblings together when possible and supporting sibling visitation when separate placement is necessary, unless contact is not in the children's best interest.