SB4246 Summary

• Replaces the standardized child endangerment risk assessment protocol with a safety-based child welfare intervention system that the Department of Children and Family Services must develop and implement.

• Requires all child protective investigators, supervisors, child welfare specialists, and supervisors to demonstrate proficiency in the safety-based system before making safety decisions about children.

• Mandates the Department establish a multi-disciplinary advisory committee including representatives from child development, domestic violence, family systems, juvenile justice, law enforcement, health care, mental health, and substance abuse fields to guide system development and implementation.

• Requires the Department to develop training curriculum and a standardized method for demonstrating proficiency in the safety-based system, with annual reports to the General Assembly beginning December 31, 2025 on reliability and validity evaluation.

• Updates references in the Advisory Commission on Reducing Disproportionate Representation of African-American Children in Foster Care Act and the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act to reflect the new safety-based system terminology.