HB4966 Summary

• Establishes a new classification of "quality of care concerns applicant" for foster care license applicants or household members with prior license revocations, surrenders for cause, abuse/neglect investigations, or substantiated complaints.

• Requires quality of care concerns applicants to submit a preliminary application listing all children previously removed from their home and circumstances of removal before applying for a foster family home license.

• Presumes quality of care concerns applicants unsuitable for licensure unless the Department determines the home does not pose a risk to children and can meet children's physical and emotional needs.

• Extends the reapplication period for revoked or denied foster family home licenses from 12 months to 5 years when licensing or abuse/neglect investigations are pending or involuntary placement holds are in place.

• Allows guardians ad litem and attorneys for children in juvenile proceedings to obtain copies of foster home licensing records including complaint and investigation information for homes where children are placed or proposed for placement.