HB2736 Summary

• Amends child welfare records laws to allow the Department of Human Services to share confidential records with federally recognized Indian tribes for children who are tribal members or eligible to become members, subject to confidentiality requirements.

• Requires DHS to outsource recruitment, training, and retention of foster care providers through contracts with private agencies while retaining responsibility for child abuse investigations, law enforcement referrals, court participation, and adoptions.

• Establishes a Steering Committee with representatives from state agencies, legislature, child-placing agencies, foster parents, judges, and Indian child welfare programs to develop an advisory plan for implementing foster care outsourcing by February 1, 2013.

• Mandates that contracted agencies for child placement services maintain accreditation from recognized accrediting organizations, with unaccredited agencies limited to traditional foster care placements only.

• Requires DHS to establish a quality assurance program based on federal Adoption and Safe Families Act standards and develop outcomes metrics for child safety, permanency, and well-being.