SB0375 Summary

• Replaces "standardized child endangerment risk assessment protocol" with "safety-based child welfare intervention system" throughout the Children and Family Services Act and related statutes.

• Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to develop and implement a safety-based intervention system with related training procedures, proficiency demonstrations, and reliability evaluations, with annual reports to the General Assembly due by December 31, 2026.

• Establishes 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.

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

• Adds a member from the Safety-Based Child Welfare Intervention Advisory Committee to the Advisory Commission on Reducing the Disproportionate Representation of African-American Children in Foster Care.