SB-0995 Summary

• Defines "siblings" as children with one or more parents in common, through biological or adoptive relationships, including those defined by American Indian or Alaska Native tribal code or custom.

• Requires supervising agencies to identify, locate, notify, and consult with relatives within 30 days of a child's removal to determine placement with a fit and appropriate relative.

• Mandates supervising agencies make reasonable efforts to place removed siblings in the same foster care, kinship guardianship, or adoptive placement unless joint placement would be contrary to any sibling's safety or well-being.

• Requires supervising agencies to provide frequent visitation or ongoing interaction between separated siblings unless documented as contrary to their safety or well-being.

• Allows persons receiving placement decisions to request documentation and permits the child's attorney to petition the court for review within 14 days if the placement is not in the child's best interest; court review hearing must commence within 7 days.