HB 1397: Dependency

Summary

• Requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), in dependency cases where substance use disorder on the part of the parent was a primary or contributing factor in the removal of the child to demonstrate, before returning the child home, to provide documentation to the court of at least six months of random drug or alcohol testing that occurred at least twice per month to demonstrate six months of sobriety.
• Requires that dependency casework supervision by the DCYF continue for at least five years following the return of the child for cases involving: (1) substance use disorder on the part of a parent that contributed to the removal of the child or that occurred during the dependency; or (2) conviction of the parent of a crime against children.
• Requires the DCYF to continue to work engage with individuals who are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect who have contact with the child for one year following dismissal of the dependency, including requesting weekly reports from mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect who have contact with the child.

From the House Bill Analysis 2023 (HB 1397), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗