SB 2064 Summary

• Expands permanency hearing definition to include consideration of sibling placement together in foster care, relative guardianship, or adoption, with provision for frequent visitation if joint placement is not possible.

• For children age 16 or older when other permanency options are not viable, adds requirement that court ask the child about desired permanency outcome and provide written judicial determination explaining why another planned permanent living arrangement is best.

• Allows foster care agreements for extended services to be made with tribal councils of recognized Indian reservations in North Dakota, not just the Department of Human Services, for children not subject to state jurisdiction.

• Modifies legal custodian duties to require notification of all adult grandparents, parents of siblings, and other adult relatives within 30 days of child removal to foster care, with information about relative placement options and subsidized guardianship payments.

• Defines "sibling of the child entering foster care" to include biological or adoptive siblings, fictive siblings with significant bonds identified by child or parent, and children who would have been siblings but for termination of parental rights or parent death.