House of Representatives

HB 2516

dependent child; juvenile court proceedings

Sponsors: Representatives Knaperek, Anderson, Johnson et al

DPA	Committee on Human Services
X	Committee on Judiciary
	Caucus and COW
	Third Read
	As Passed the House

HB 2516 authorizes the juvenile court (court) to enter orders for services for a dependent child and permits the joining of an agency or private services provider (provider) in the proceedings if it is determined legal service obligations have not been fulfilled.

Current Status

HB 2516 was amended in the Human Services committee to clarify that the court cannot order services unless it is determined the child is eligible.

History

Current law does not specifically give the courts the authority to enter orders of care for services of a dependent child, join an agency in proceedings for not fulfilling obligations, or order a parent or guardian to participate in counseling. HB 2516 grants the court the specific authority to enter these orders.

Provisions

· Allows the court to enter orders for the care, supervision, custody, conduct, medical treatment, maintenance and support of a dependent child.

· Permits the court after notice and opportunity to be heard, to join in the proceedings any agency or provider the court determines has failed to meet a legal obligation to provide services to a dependent child.

· Clarifies that the duties imposed by the court on an agency or provider shall not exceed the duties mandated by law.

· Allows an agency or provider that has received notice of a hearing on joinder to meet before the hearing to coordinate services for the dependent child.

· Prohibits the court from ordering services unless the child is determined eligible for the services.

· Authorizes the court in dependent cases to order a parent or guardian to participate in child welfare services if custody is retained subject to the supervision of a social worker.

· Stipulates the court may order a parent or guardian to participate in a counseling or education program or appear before a financial evaluation officer.

· The court may order foster parents or relatives with whom the child is placed to participate in a counseling or education program if the participation is in the best interest of the child.

· Specifies the program be designed to eliminate the conditions that led to the dependency case.

· Authorizes the court to order the parent or guardian to make reasonable efforts to obtain educational services to meet the needs of the dependent child and ensure regular school attendance.

· Defines private service provider.

Amendments

HB was amended in the Human Services Committee as follows:

· Clarifies the court has no authority to order services unless the child is determined eligible through administrative process of an agency.

---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------

45th Legislature

Second Regular Session 2 February 12, 2002

---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------