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IN HB1499
Bill
Status
1/18/2017
Primary Sponsor
Ben Smaltz
Click for details
AI Summary
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A former foster parent may petition for visitation rights with a child if the child was placed in their home for at least 12 months and was subsequently removed due to reunification with the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.
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Courts may grant visitation rights if determined to be in the child's best interests, considering the length of placement, quality of the relationship, and other pertinent matters.
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Foster parents must file a verified petition in circuit, superior, probate court, or the court with jurisdiction over delinquency or child-in-need-of-services proceedings, with copies served on custodial and noncustodial parents or guardians.
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Courts must enter a decree after hearing evidence and may modify visitation orders whenever modification serves the child's best interests.
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The Department of Child Services must notify a foster parent when the parent-child relationship of a child who was in their care for at least 12 months is terminated.
Legislative Description
Visitation for former foster parents. Provides that a foster parent may file a petition seeking visitation rights with a child if the child was placed under the care and supervision of the foster parent for at least 12 months. Requires the court to enter a decree after holding a hearing. Allows the court to modify an order granting or denying visitation rights. Requires the department of child services to provide notification to a foster parent if the parent-child relationship of a child who was placed under the care and supervision of the foster parent for at least 12 months is
Last Action
First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary
1/18/2017