HB 1965 Summary

• Gives foster parents priority in adoption determinations if parental rights have been terminated and the child has been in the foster home for a substantial period of time.

• Authorizes children in Department of Human Services custody to communicate and maintain relationships with prior foster families, provided such contact is in the child's best interests.

• Modifies placement procedures for children in state custody to consider adoption placement with foster parents as a preferred option.

• Effective date: November 1, 2011.