CCS HS HCS SCS#2 SB 762 -- FOSTER CARE

This bill changes laws regarding foster care services for
children.  In its major provisions, the bill:

(1)  Requires background checks of any person over the age of 17
and any child less than 17 who has been certified as an adult and
convicted of a crime, who are living in the home of an applicant
for child care assistance;

(2)  Allows the Children's Division within the Department of
Social Services or the county juvenile office to request a
name-based criminal history check when an emergency placement of
a child must be made and requires them to determine whether any
person under the age of 17 living in the home has been certified
as an adult and convicted of or pled guilty to a crime;

(3)  Requires the division to conduct a search for full orders of
protection for anyone seeking a foster parent license or any
person over the age of 17 in the applicant's household.  It also
requires the division to determine whether any person over the
age of 17 is listed on the child abuse and neglect registry;

(4)  Requires the division to provide standards and training for
prospective foster parents, as well as performance-based criteria
for licensed foster parents;

(5)  Requires the Department of Social Services to place a child
with relatives if the court has determined that the placement is
not contrary to the best interests of the child.  The court must
make specific findings on the record detailing why placement with
a relative is not in the best interests of the child;

(6)  Specifies that the age of a relative may not be the only
factor considered in determining whether to place the child with
that relative;

(7)  Requires the division to comply with the Federal Indian
Child Welfare Act in placing Native American children;

(8)  Requires the division to notify parents or legal guardians
when their child is placed in foster care;

(9)  Prohibits the removal of children from school before the end
of the school day for placement in foster care without a court
order;

(10)  Requires the division to hold a family support team meeting
prior to or within 24 hours after the protective custody hearing
and additional meetings prior to taking any action relating to
the placement of a child in its custody.  The division is allowed
to make a temporary placement of children in emergency
situations, but requires the division to hold a family support
team meeting within 72 hours of the placement.  The bill
specifies who must be invited to the family support team meeting
and requires the division to use a form that must be signed by
all involved parties at the end of the meeting; and

(11)  Requires the case record of a child in protective custody
to be made available for review by the parent or legal guardian
of the child, except as otherwise provided for in Section
210.150, RSMo.

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:16 am