SB 451
Extending time frame for Department of Human Services to identify relatives and fictive kin
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill changes the timeline for the Department of Human Services to identify relatives and fictive kin of children involved in child abuse and neglect cases. Currently, the department has 21 days to create a list of potential relatives and kin after a removal petition is filed. This bill extends that timeframe to 45 days, allowing the department more time to thoroughly investigate and assess potential relatives for foster or kinship care.
Key provisions
- Extends the department’s timeframe to investigate relatives and fictive kin from 21 to 45 days.
- Requires the department to diligently search for relatives and fictive kin within days of a child’s removal.
- Allows parties to submit their own lists of relatives and fictive kin.
- The department must determine if identified relatives are willing and able to act as foster or kinship parents.
- The department’s findings must be filed with the court within 60 days of the petition.
Who is affected
- Children involved in child abuse and neglect cases
- Relatives and fictive kin of children
- The Department of Human Services
- Courts
- Foster parents
Notable changes
- Increases the timeframe for the Department of Human Services to identify potential relatives and fictive kin.
- Allows parties to supplement the department’s list with their own information.
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