BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The Idaho Legislature passed two bills to help reform Idaho's foster care system and answer calls made by foster parents, advocates,former foster kids, and lawmakers for a decade.The next step before becoming law is Governor Brad Little's signature.
Senate Bill 1380passed the House with a 50-20 vote. It would create an ombudsman oversight, that would be independent and autonomous with specific oversight into child welfare. The group would have the authority to receive, examine, and resolve complaints in foster care cases, as well as children in Idaho treatment facilities. The bill states that the appointed ombudsman would be independent from outside control and impartial to review cases in a fair manner. They would also be confidential and credible to process complaints. It would also be safe from retaliatory actions.
Senate Bill 1379passed the House unanimously. It addresses short-term rentals in foster care - and restricts the use of them for any child under the age of 13 for more than two weeks. The exceptions are teenage mothers, siblings, and other emergencies. It states that any exception would be individually approved by the department director.
Through CBS2's lengthy investigation into the system, we found 175 foster kids were put in short-term rentals last year with the longest stay lasting more than five months.
House Bill 578, prohibiting religious discrimination through the foster and adoption process continues its ride through the legislature.
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