group homes; safety; training; rights
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill updates Arizona law regarding group homes for children in foster care and kinship foster care. It strengthens the rights of children residing in these homes, including protections related to safety, healthcare, education, and privacy. The bill also addresses safety standards for group foster homes, requiring background checks, training, and security measures to protect residents. Finally, it outlines procedures for assessing congregate care settings and ensuring appropriate plans are in place for children’s well-being.
Key provisions
- Expands the rights of children in foster and kinship foster care, covering areas like safe placement, healthcare, education, and disciplinary measures.
- Requires comprehensive background checks and substance use screening for all group foster home employees.
- Mandates training for group foster home employees in trauma-informed care, mental health crisis management, and first aid.
- Establishes minimum security standards for group foster homes, including secure entry points, monitoring, and functional locking mechanisms.
- Outlines procedures for reporting staff misconduct and neglect within group foster homes.
- Requires the department to develop and implement rules, policies, and procedures for group foster homes regarding resident safety and security.
- Addresses technology policies within group foster homes, limiting resident access to phones and ensuring appropriate security measures.
- Creates a plan for placement of a child in an appropriate family-like setting and a child-specific congregate care implementation plan.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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1 on record
Primary sponsor
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