Bill Information:

AN ACT TO AMEND VARIOUS ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND DEPENDENCY LAWS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENTS AND EXPEDITE PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARINGS FOR CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE HOME; TO CLARIFY THE NON-CARETAKER DEFINITION FOR THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUALS LIST; TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF EMERGENCY JUDGES TO ADDRESS THE CHILD WELFARE CASE BACKLOG; TO HIRE REGIONAL ABUSE AND MEDICAL SPECIALISTS TO IMPROVE THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM; AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES, TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO IMPLEMENT A CENTRALIZED HOTLINE FOR CHILD WELFARE INTAKE.