HB 742 -- Foster Care

Sponsor:  Barnes

The bill prohibits the Department of Social Services and the
Department of Mental Health from placing children in licensed
foster homes, privately operated group homes, and privately
operated residential care facilities between October 1, 1995 and
December 1, 1995.

The bill establishes a task force on Foster and Residential Care
Facilities. Membership includes: the directors of various
departments and divisions of state government, including the
directors of Mental Health, Social Services, and Elementary and
Secondary Education; certain school personnel appointed by the
Governor; a foster parent appointed by the Governor; a
residential care facility administrator appointed by the
Governor; 2 members of the House (one Democrat and one
Republican) appointed by the Speaker; and 2 members of the
Senate (one Democrat and one Republican) appointed by the
President Pro Tem.

The task force is required to study the placement of children in
residential care facilities and foster homes. Several areas of
study are listed. A few of these are: limiting the number of
children in residential care facilities and foster homes in any
school district or county based on population or the school's
capacity for special needs students; training foster parents and
personnel in residential care facilities; establishing a funding
mechanism for schools instructing group home students; and
placing special education students near schools to reduce
transportation costs.

The task force is required to present a report to the Governor
by October 27, 1995. The bill expires on December 1, 1995.