HB 1238 Summary

• Requires courts to notify the Department of Child Services of guardianship hearings for minors who are or were children in need of services or participating in informal adjustment programs.

• Mandates the Department of Child Services to evaluate any person petitioning to become a guardian if the department knows the petitioner has a history of mental health issues or substance abuse.

• Requires probate or juvenile courts to include in guardianship orders any terms and conditions that a parent must meet to seek modification or termination of the guardianship.

• Requires courts to have the Department of Child Services evaluate parents with known histories of mental health issues or substance abuse and report findings to the court before approving guardianship modification or termination.

• Effective July 1, 2013.