Connecticut 2026 Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 42 D · 16 R cosponsors

HB 5004 — AN ACT CONCERNING CHILD WELFARE ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY.

Last action — SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed House
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 26, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Ned Lamont (Democratic) on May 26, 2026.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 78% · moderate confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 58 sponsors

    58 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (42 D · 16 R) — cross-party backing.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

In plain language

The bill addresses accountability and transparency in child welfare practices.

This legislation focuses on improving accountability and transparency in child welfare systems. It aims to ensure that practices within these systems are clear and responsible.

What this means for you
  • Families: This means families involved in the child welfare system may have more clarity and access to information regarding their cases.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

909 added · 2033 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updated version of House Bill 5004 includes clearer definitions for terms like "emergency placement" and "fictive kin caregiver," which helps ensure that everyone involved in foster care understands who can take care of children during emergencies. Additionally, the bill now mandates that, in emergency situations, placements can only be made with approved caregivers, emphasizing the importance of safety and oversight. This change is significant because it prioritizes the well-being of children by ensuring they are placed in stable and approved environments, even during urgent situations.

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House of Representatives File No.
Substitute House Bill No.
754 General Assembly February Session, 2026Reprint of File No.
5004 Public Act No.
103) Substitute House Bill No.
26-26 AN ACT CONCERNING CHILD WELFARE ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY.
5004 As Amended by House Amendment Schedules "A" and "C" Approved by the Legislative Commissioner May 1, 2026 AN ACT CONCERNING CHILD WELFARE ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY.
(a) As used in this section, (1) "approval" or "approved" means that a person has been approved to adopt or provide foster care by a child- placing agency licensed pursuant to section 17a-149, (2) "licensed" means a person holds a license to provide foster care issued by the Department of Children and Families, (3) "fictive kin caregiver" means a person who is twenty-one years of age or older and who is unrelated to a child by birth, adoption or marriage but who has an emotionally significantrelationshipwithsuchchildorsuchchild'sfamilyamounting to a familial relationship, and (4) "emergency placement" means the placement of a child by the Department of Children and Families in the sHB5004 / File No.
(a) As used in this section, (1) "approval" or "approved" means that a person has been approved to adopt or provide foster care by a child- placing agency licensed pursuant to section 17a-149, (2) "licensed" means a person holds a license to provide foster care issued by the Department of Children and Families, (3) "fictive kin caregiver" means a person who is twenty-one years of age or older and who is unrelated to a child by birth, adoption or marriage but who has an emotionally significantrelationshipwithsuchchildorsuchchild'sfamilyamounting to a familial relationship, and (4) "emergency placement" means the placement of a child by the Department of Children and Families in the home of a relative or fictive kin caregiver as a result of the sudden unavailability of such child's primary caretaker.
754 sHB5004 File No.
(b) (1) No child in the custody of the Commissioner of Children and Families shall be placed in foster care with any person, unless (A) (i) Substitute House Bill No.
754 home of a relative or fictive kin caregiver as a result of the sudden unavailability of such child's primary caretaker.
5004 such person is licensed for such purpose by the department or the Department of Developmental Services pursuant to the provisions of section 17a-227, (ii) such person's home is approved by a child-placing agency licensed by the commissioner pursuant to section17a-149,or (iii) such person has received approval as provided in this section, and (B) on and after January 1, 2017, for a child twelve years of age or older, such child has received a foster family profile in accordance with the provisions of section 17a-114e.
(b) (1) No child in the custody of the Commissioner of Children and Families shall be placed in foster care with any person, unless (A) (i) such person is licensed for such purpose by the department or the Department of Developmental Services pursuant to the provisions of section 17a-227, (ii) such person's home is approved by a child-placing agency licensed by the commissioner pursuant to section17a-149,or (iii) such person has received approval as provided in this section, and (B) on and after January 1, 2017, for a child twelve years of age or older, such child has received a foster family profile in accordance with the provisions of section 17a-114e.
The commissioner shall check the (i) state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a-101k for the name of such applicant and for the name of any person eighteen years of age or older living in the household of such applicant, and (ii) child abuse and neglect registry in any state in which such sHB5004 / File No.
The commissioner shall check the (i) state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a-101k for the name of such applicant and for the name of any person eighteen years of age or older living in the household of such applicant, and (ii) child abuse and neglect registry in any state in which such applicant or person resided in the preceding five years for the name of such applicant or person.
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Public Act No.
754 applicant or person resided in the preceding five years for the name of such applicant or person.
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(B) If an applicant for licensure or approval or any person eighteen years of age or older living in the household of such applicant has submitted to the state and national criminal history records checks described in subsection (c) of this section within the previous twelve- month period, the commissioner shall not require such applicant or person to submit to the state and national criminal history records checks described in subparagraph (A) of this subdivision in connection with the issuance of a license or approval.
5004 (B) If an applicant for licensure or approval or any person eighteen years of age or older living in the household of such applicant has submitted to the state and national criminal history records checks described in subsection (c) of this section within the previous twelve- month period, the commissioner shall not require such applicant or person to submit to the state and national criminal history records checks described in subparagraph (A) of this subdivision in connection with the issuance of a license or approval.
When the sHB5004 / File No.
When the commissioner makes such an emergency placement, the commissioner Public Act No.
754 sHB5004 File No.
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754 commissioner makes such an emergency placement, the commissioner shall (A) request a criminal justice agency to perform a federal name- based criminalhistorysearchofsuchrelativeor fictivekincaregiverand each person eighteen years of age or older residing in the home, and (B) check the state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a-101k for the name of such relative or fictive kin caregiver and each person eighteen yearsof age or older residing inthe home.The results of such name-based search shall be provided to the commissioner.
5004 shall (A) request a criminal justice agency to perform a federal name- based criminalhistorysearchofsuchrelativeor fictivekincaregiverand each person eighteen years of age or older residing in the home, and (B) check the state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a-101k for the name of such relative or fictive kin caregiver and each person eighteen yearsof age or older residing inthe home.The results of such name-based search shall be provided to the commissioner.
Upon the denial of an emergency placement with a relative or fictive kin caregiver or removal of a child from such relative or fictive kin caregiver's home, the commissioner shall document, in writing, the sHB5004 / File No.
Upon the denial of an emergency placement with a relative Public Act No.
754 sHB5004 File No.
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754 reason for such denial or removal.
5004 or fictive kin caregiver or removal of a child from such relative or fictive kin caregiver's home, the commissioner shall document, in writing, the reason for such denial or removal.
(b) If it appears from the specific allegations of the petition and other verified affirmations of fact accompanying the petition and application, or subsequent thereto, that there is reasonable cause to believe that (1) the child or youth is suffering from serious physical illness or serious physical injury or is in immediate physical danger from the child's or youth's surroundings, and (2) as a result of said conditions, the child's or youth's safety is endangered and immediate removal from such sHB5004 / File No.
(b) If it appears from the specific allegations of the petition and other verified affirmations of fact accompanying the petition and application, or subsequent thereto, that there is reasonable cause to believe that (1) Public Act No.
754 sHB5004 File No.
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754 surroundings is necessary to ensure the child's or youth's safety, the court shall either (A) issue an order to the parents or other person having responsibility for the care of the child or youth to appear at such time as the court may designate to determine whether the court should vest the child's or youth's temporary care and custody in a person relatedtothechildoryouthbybloodormarriage,afictivekincaregiver, as defined in section 17a-114, as amended by this act, or [in] some other person or suitable agency pending disposition of the petition, or (B) issue an order ex parte vesting the child's or youth's temporary care and custody in a person related to the child or youth by blood or marriage, a fictive kin caregiver or [in] some other person or suitable agency.
5004 the child or youth is suffering from serious physical illness or serious physical injury or is in immediate physical danger from the child's or youth's surroundings, and (2) as a result of said conditions, the child's or youth's safety is endangered and immediate removal from such surroundings is necessary to ensure the child's or youth's safety, the court shall either (A) issue an order to the parents or other person having responsibility for the care of the child or youth to appear at such time as the court may designate to determine whether the court should vest the child's or youth's temporary care and custody in a person relatedtothechildoryouthbybloodormarriage,afictivekincaregiver, as defined in section 17a-114, as amended by this act, or [in] some other person or suitable agency pending disposition of the petition, or (B) issue an order ex parte vesting the child's or youth's temporary care and custody in a person related to the child or youth by blood or marriage, a fictive kin caregiver or [in] some other person or suitable agency.
(vi) that such parents, or a person having responsibility for the care and custody of thechild or youth,may request the Commissioner of Children and Families to investigate placing the child or youth with a person related to the child or youth by blood or marriage or a fictive kin caregiver who might serve as a licensed foster parent or temporary custodian for such child or youth.
(vi) that such parents, or a person having responsibility for the care and custody of thechild or youth,may Public Act No.
The commissioner shall investigate any relative or [relatives] fictive kin caregiver proposed to serve as a licensed foster parent or temporary sHB5004 / File No.
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754 sHB5004 File No.
5004 request the Commissioner of Children and Families to investigate placing the child or youth with a person related to the child or youth by blood or marriage or a fictive kin caregiver who might serve as a licensed foster parent or temporary custodian for such child or youth.
754 custodian for such child or youth prior to the preliminary hearing and provide a preliminary report to the court at such hearing as to such relative's or [relatives'] caregiver's suitability and any potential barriers to licensing such relative or [relatives] caregiver as a foster parent or parents or granting temporary custody of such child or youth to such [relative or relatives] caregiver;
The commissioner shall investigate any relative or [relatives] fictive kin caregiver proposed to serve as a licensed foster parent or temporary custodian for such child or youth prior to the preliminary hearing and provide a preliminary report to the court at such hearing as to such relative's or [relatives'] caregiver's suitability and any potential barriers to licensing such relative or [relatives] caregiver as a foster parent or parents or granting temporary custody of such child or youth to such [relative or relatives] caregiver;
If such child or youth is placed with a person other than a relative or fictive kin caregiver, such writing shall include confirmation that the placement selected for such child or youth, rather than placement with a relative or fictive kin caregiver, serves the best interests of such child or youth.
If such child or youth is placed with a person other than a relative or fictive kin caregiver, such writing shall include confirmation that the placement selected for such child or youth, rather than placement with a relative Public Act No.
Upon issuance of an ex parte order, the court shall provide to the commissioner and the parent or guardian specific steps necessary for each to take to address the ex parte order for the parent or guardian to retain or regain custody of the child or youth.Upon the issuance of such order, or not later than sixty days after the issuance of such order, the court shall make a determination whether the Department of Children and Families made reasonable efforts to keep the child or youth with his sHB5004 / File No.
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5004 or fictive kin caregiver, serves the best interests of such child or youth.
754 or her parents or guardian prior to the issuance of such order and, if such efforts were not made, whether such reasonable efforts were not possible, taking into consideration the child's or youth's best interests, including the child's or youth's health and safety.
Upon issuance of an ex parte order, the court shall provide to the commissioner and the parent or guardian specific steps necessary for each to take to address the ex parte order for the parent or guardian to retain or regain custody of the child or youth.Upon the issuance of such order, or not later than sixty days after the issuance of such order, the court shall make a determination whether the Department of Children and Families made reasonable efforts to keep the child or youth with his or her parents or guardian prior to the issuance of such order and, if such efforts were not made, whether such reasonable efforts were not possible, taking into consideration the child's or youth's best interests, including the child's or youth's health and safety.
(c) Not later than January 1, 2027, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall develop a formula for the distribution of such grant payments, which formula shall include a maximum grant payment of six hundred twenty-five dollars to any caregiver, and guidelines for the appropriate expenditure of grant payments.
(c) Not later than January 1, 2027, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall develop a formula for the distribution of such grant payments, which formula shall include a maximum grant payment of six hundred twenty-five dollars to any caregiver, and guidelines for the Public Act No.
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5004 appropriate expenditure of grant payments.
(e) Not later than January 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall submit a report to the sHB5004 / File No.
(e) Not later than January 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall submit a report to the Child Welfare Policy and Oversight Committee, established pursuant to section 18 of this act, and, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to children.
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Suchreport shallinclude, for thepreceding year,(1)thenumber ofgrant payments provided, (2) the amount of each such grant payment, and (3) the length of each such placement that has concluded.
754 Child Welfare Policy and Oversight Committee, established pursuant to section 18 of this act, and, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to children.
Suchreport shallinclude,for thepreceding year,(1)thenumber ofgrant payments provided, (2) the amount of each such grant payment, and (3) the length of each such placement that has concluded.
(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) (a) As used in this section, (1) "after school program" means a program that takes place after regular school hours and provides educational, enrichment and recreational activities for children in grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, (2) "caregiver"meansa relative or fictive kincaregiver,asdefinedin section 17a-114ofthegeneralstatutes,asamendedby thisact,whohasaccepted emergency placement of a child pursuant to subsection (c) of section 17a-114 of the general statutes, as amended by this act, or a caregiver as defined in section 17a-126 of the general statutes, and (3) "child care service" has the same meaning as provided in section 19a-131k of the general statutes.
(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) (a) As used in this section, (1) "after school program" means a program that takes place after regular school hours and provides educational, enrichment and recreational activities for children in grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, (2) "caregiver" meansa relative or fictive kincaregiver,asdefinedin section 17a-114ofthegeneralstatutes,asamendedby thisact,whohasaccepted emergency placement of a child pursuant to subsection (c) of section 17a-114 of the general statutes, as amended by this act, or a caregiver as defined in section 17a-126 of the general statutes, and (3) "child care service" has the same meaning as provided in section 19a-131k of the general statutes.
(b) There is established a grant program to provide grant payments to caregivers for all or a portion of costs associated with after school programs and child care services for children placed in the care of such caregivers by the Commissioner of Children and Families.
(b) There is established a grant program to provide grant payments to caregivers for all or a portion of costs associated with after school programs and child care services for children placed in the care of such Public Act No.
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5004 caregivers by the Commissioner of Children and Families.
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Priority for such grant payments shall be given to caregivers who are eligible for foster care maintenance sHB5004 / File No.
Priority for such grant payments shall be given to caregivers who are eligible for foster care maintenance payments or a guardianship subsidy but have not yet received an initial payment or subsidy.
754 sHB5004 File No.
754 payments or a guardianship subsidy but have not yet received an initial payment or subsidy.
Such report shall include, for the preceding year, the (1) number of applications received by the department for grant payments for costs associated with (A) after school programs, and (B) child care services, and (2) total number of grant payments and the amount of each such grant payment provided for (A) after school programs, and (B) child care services.
Such report shall include, for the preceding year, the (1) number of applications received by the department for grant payments for costs associated with (A) after school programs, and (B) child care services, and (2) total number of grant payments and the amount of each such grant payment provided for (A) after school programs, and (B) child Public Act No.
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5004 care services.
The department shall sHB5004 / File No.
The department shall (1) establish (A) an application process and criteria for acceptance in such program, which criteria shall include, but need not be limited to, a requirement that participants are enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program in a relevant field, and (B) criteria for the selection of mentorswho are employedby thedepartment associal workers,and (2) recruit such employees to participate as mentors in the program.
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754 (1) establish (A) an application process and criteria for acceptance in such program, which criteria shall include, but need not be limited to, a requirement that participants are enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program in a relevant field, and (B) criteria for the selection of mentorswho are employedby thedepartment associal workers,and (2) recruit such employees to participate as mentors in the program.
(d) The Department of Children and Families (1) shall pay a stipend to each intern and mentor who successfully completes the internship or mentorship program described in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, and (2) may pay a stipend to each newly hired social worker who successfully completes the mentorship program described in subsection (c) of this section.
(d) The Department of Children and Families (1) shall pay a stipend Public Act No.
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5004 to each intern and mentor who successfully completes the internship or mentorship program described in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, and (2) may pay a stipend to each newly hired social worker who successfully completes the mentorship program described in subsection (c) of this section.
Such report shall include, for the preceding year, the (1) number of participants in the internship and mentorship programs described in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, (2) the cost of each such program, (3) whether or not adequate resources have been allocated to each such program, and (4) recruitment and retention statistics amongst sHB5004 / File No.
Such report shall include, for the preceding year, the (1) number of participants in the internship and mentorship programs described in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, (2) the cost of each such program, (3) whether or not adequate resources have been allocated to each such program, and (4) recruitment and retention statistics amongst participants.
754 sHB5004 File No.
754 participants.
Employees hired on or after January1,2028,shallcompletesuchtraining notlaterthanoneyearafter beginning such employment.
Employees hired on or after January1,2028,shallcompletesuchtraining notlaterthanoneyearafter Public Act No.
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5004 beginning such employment.
sHB5004 / File No.
Sec.
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754 Sec.
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2028, shall initially complete such training not later than one year after beginning such employment.
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2028, shall initially complete such training not later than one year after beginning such Public Act No.
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5004 employment.
No such youth shall participate in the program after such youth reaches twenty- one years of age, except that the commissioner may permit any youth that enrolled in the program prior to turning twenty-one years of age to continue to participate until such youth turns twenty-four years of age or completes such youth's postsecondary education program, sHB5004 / File No.
No such youth shall participate in the program after such youth reaches twenty- one years of age, except that the commissioner may permit any youth that enrolled in the program prior to turning twenty-one years of age to continue to participate until such youth turns twenty-four years of age or completes such youth's postsecondary education program, whichever occurs earlier.
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754 whichever occurs earlier.
(c) Not later than July 1, 2027, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committee of theGeneralAssembly having cognizance ofmattersrelating to children.
(c) Not later than July 1, 2027, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committee of Public Act No.
Suchreport shallincludeadescriptionofthestatusofthepostsecondary educationgrantprogramestablishedpursuanttothissection,including, but not limited to, (1) the number of applications to such program received by the Department of Children and Families to date, (2) the number ofapplicantsacceptedto participate intheprogramto date,and (3) any challenges the department encountered in implementing the program.
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5004 theGeneralAssembly having cognizance ofmattersrelating to children.
Suchreport shallinclude adescriptionofthestatusofthepostsecondary educationgrantprogramestablishedpursuanttothissection,including, but not limited to, (1) the number of applications to such program received by the Department of Children and Families to date, (2) the number ofapplicantsacceptedto participate intheprogramto date,and (3) any challenges the department encountered in implementing the program.
Such report shall include, but need not be limited to, information concerning (1) the number of applicants to such program and any similar program offered by the Department of Children and Families, in each year any such program was offered, (2) the number of applicants that received a grant payment under such program or any such similar program, in each year any such program was offered, (3) the total amount of grant payments provided pursuant to such program and any such similar program, in each year any such program was offered, and the amount of each individual grant in each such year, (4) the average amount of each grant payment provided pursuant to such program and any such similar program, per student sHB5004 / File No.
Such report shall include, but need not be limited to, information concerning (1) the number of applicants to such program and any similar program offered by the Department of Children and Families, in each year any such program was offered, (2) the number of applicants that received a grant payment under such program or any such similar program, in each year any such program was offered, (3) the total amount of grant payments provided pursuant to such program and any such similar program, in each year any such program was offered, and the amount of each individual grant in each such year, (4) the average amount of each grant payment provided pursuant to such program and any such similar program, per student annually and per student over the duration of such students' participation in any such program, (5) the specific postsecondary education programs attended by participants in such program during the prior year, including the names of the institutions offering such programs and the degrees toward which participants are working, (6) the percentage of participants who have completed a postsecondary education program while participating in such program and any such similar program, (7) the number of participants who have requested to Public Act No.
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754 annually and per student over the duration of such students' participation in any such program, (5) the specific postsecondary education programs attended by participants in such program during the prior year, including the names of the institutions offering such programs and the degrees toward which participants are working, (6) the percentage of participants who have completed a postsecondary education program while participating in such program and any such similar program, (7) the number of participants who have requested to remain in such program or any such similar program after reaching twenty-one years of age, and the number of participants who have been approved by the department to do so, (8) the reasons the department has provided applicants to such program, and any such similar program, for denying such applicants from participating in such programs, (9) the reasons the department has provided participants in such program, and any such similar program, for denying such participants' requeststo remaininsuchprogramsafter reaching twenty- one years of age, (10) the length of time any such similar program has existed pursuant to department policy, and (11) demographic data pertaining to participants in such program and any such similar program.
5004 remain in such program or any such similar program after reaching twenty-one years of age, and the number of participants who have been approved by the department to do so, (8) the reasons the department has provided applicants to such program, and any such similar program, for denying such applicants from participating in such programs, (9) the reasons the department has provided participants in such program, and any such similar program, for denying such participants' requeststo remaininsuchprogramsafter reaching twenty- one years of age, (10) the length of time any such similar program has existed pursuant to department policy, and (11) demographic data pertaining to participants in such program and any such similar program.
(Effective October 1, 2026) Not later than July 1, 2028, the Auditors of Public Accounts shall conduct a performance audit of the postsecondary education grant program established pursuant to section 9 of this act.
(Effective October 1, 2026) Not later than July 1, 2028, the Auditors of Public Accounts shall conduct a performance audit of the postsecondary education grant program established pursuant to section of this act.
(2) information concerning (A) the number of applicants to such program and any similar program offered by the Department of Children and Families, in each year any such program was offered, (B) the number of applicants that received a sHB5004 / File No.
(2) information concerning (A) the number of applicants to such program and any similar program offered by the Department of Children and Families, in each year any such program was offered, (B) the number of applicants that received a grant payment under such program or any such similar program, in each year any such program was offered, (C) the total amount of grant payments provided pursuant to such program and any such similar program, in each year any such program was offered, and the amount of each individual grant in each such year, (D) the average amount of each grant payment provided pursuant to such program and any such Public Act No.
754 sHB5004 File No.
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754 grant payment under such program or any such similar program, in each year any such program was offered, (C) the total amount of grant payments provided pursuant to such program and any such similar program, in each year any such program was offered, and the amount of each individual grant in each such year, (D) the average amount of each grant payment provided pursuant to such program and any such similar program, per student annually and per student over the duration of such students' participation in any such program, (E) the specific postsecondary education programs attended by participants in such program during the prior year, including the names of the institutions offering such programs and the degrees toward which participants are working, (F) the percentage of participants who have completed a postsecondary education program while participating in such program and any such similar program, (G) the number of participants who have requested to remain in such program or any such similar program after reaching twenty-oneyears of age, andthe number ofparticipantswho have beenapprovedby thedepartment to do so,(H) the reasons the department has provided applicants to such program, and any such similar program, for denying such applicants from participating in such programs, (I) the reasons the department has provided participants in such program, and any such similar program, for denying such participants' requests to remain in such programs after reaching twenty-one years of age, (J) the length of time any such similar program has existed pursuant to department policy, and (K) demographic data pertaining to participants in such program and any such similar program;
5004 similar program, per student annually and per student over the duration of such students' participation in any such program, (E) the specific postsecondary education programs attended by participants in such program during the prior year, including the names of the institutions offering such programs and the degrees toward which participants are working, (F) the percentage of participants who have completed a postsecondary education program while participating in such program and any such similar program, (G) the number of participants who have requested to remain in such program or any such similar program after reaching twenty-oneyears of age, andthe number ofparticipantswho have beenapprovedby thedepartment to do so,(H) the reasons the department has provided applicants to such program, and any such similar program, for denying such applicants from participating in such programs, (I) the reasons the department has provided participants in such program, and any such similar program, for denying such participants' requests to remain in such programs after reaching twenty-one years of age, (J) the length of time any such similar program has existed pursuant to department policy, and (K) demographic data pertaining to participants in such program and any such similar program;
(1) A public, online dashboard to provide real-time information concerning the department's administration of and performance with respect to the state-wide program of services described in section 17a-3 sHB5004 / File No.
(1) A public, online dashboard to provide real-time information concerning the department's administration of and performance with respect to the state-wide program of services described in section 17a-3 of the general statutes.
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Such information shall include, but need not be limited to, the information identified by the working group established pursuant to section 12 of this act and each annual report submitted Public Act No.
754 of the general statutes.
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Such information shall include, but need not be limited to, the information identified by the working group established pursuant to section 12 of this act and each annual report submitted pursuant to sections 3, 4 and 5 of this act.
5004 pursuant to sections 3, 4 and 5 of this act.
(3) the sHB5004 / File No.
(3) the Public Act No.
754 sHB5004 File No.
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754 Commissioner of Children and Families, or the commissioner's designee;
5004 Commissioner of Children and Families, or the commissioner's designee;
(b) Upon the (1) removal from the state by the parent or guardian of a child described in subsection (a) of this section for a period exceeding fourteen consecutive days, where notification has not been provided pursuant to subsection (a)of this section,or (2) extensionoftheduration sHB5004 / File No.
(b) Upon the (1) removal from the state by the parent or guardian of a child described in subsection (a) of this section for a period exceeding Public Act No.
754 sHB5004 File No.
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754 of any removal by a parent or guardian where notification has not been provided pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall (A) attempt to contact a parent, guardian or other family member of such child on three consecutive days following such removal or extension, to ascertain such child's location, if unknown, and evaluate such child's safety, except that the commissioner may discontinue efforts to contact such parent, guardian or other family member ifcontact ismadeduring suchthree-day period, and (B) if such child's location is known, (i) contact the child welfare or law enforcement agency for the jurisdiction in which such child is located and request that such agency conduct an in-person visit to such child's location for the purpose of evaluating such child's safety, (ii) follow up with such child welfare or law enforcement agency on three consecutive days following such request to determine whether such visit was conducted and discuss any findings, except that the commissioner may discontinue efforts to follow up with such agency if the commissioner determines such visit was conducted during such three-day period, and (iii) conduct an in-person visit to evaluate such child'ssafety or, ifsuch in-personvisit isnot feasible,attempt to conduct a visit by means of a video conferencing platform for the purpose of evaluating such child's safety.
5004 fourteen consecutive days, where notification has not been provided pursuant to subsection (a)of this section,or (2) extensionoftheduration of any removal by a parent or guardian where notification has not been provided pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall (A) attempt to contact a parent, guardian or other family member of such child on three consecutive days following such removal or extension, to ascertain such child's location, if unknown, and evaluate such child's safety, except that the commissioner may discontinue efforts to contact such parent, guardian or other family member ifcontact ismadeduring suchthree-day period, and (B) if such child's location is known, (i) contact the child welfare or law enforcement agency for the jurisdiction in which such child is located and request that such agency conduct an in-person visit to such child's location for the purpose of evaluating such child's safety, (ii) follow up with such child welfare or law enforcement agency on three consecutive days following such request to determine whether such visit was conducted and discuss any findings, except that the commissioner may discontinue efforts to follow up with such agency if the commissioner determines such visit was conducted during such three-day period, and (iii) conduct an in-person visit to evaluate such child'ssafety or, ifsuch in-personvisit isnot feasible,attempt to conduct a visit by means of a video conferencing platform for the purpose of evaluating such child's safety.
(d) The Commissioner of Children and Families shall provide written notice of the provisions of this section to the parents or guardians of each child described in subsection (a) of this section.
(d) The Commissioner of Children and Families shall provide written Public Act No.
(e) The Commissioner of Children and Families may (1) undertake the actions described in subsection (b) of this section with respect to any sHB5004 / File No.
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754 sHB5004 File No.
5004 notice of the provisions of this section to the parents or guardians of each child described in subsection (a) of this section.
754 child described in subsection (a) of this section who has been removed from the state for a period of fourteen or fewer consecutive days, or (2) require the parent or guardian of any such child to notify the commissioner if such child will be removed from the state for a period of fourteen or fewer consecutive days.
(e) The Commissioner of Children and Families may (1) undertake the actions described in subsection (b) of this section with respect to any child described in subsection (a) of this section who has been removed from the state for a period of fourteen or fewer consecutive days, or (2) require the parent or guardian of any such child to notify the commissioner if such child will be removed from the state for a period of fourteen or fewer consecutive days.
Such protocols shall include, but need not be limited to, (1) appropriate supervision of the case, (2) appropriate visitation by department personnel to such children, (3) documentation of case activities relevant to the safety and well-being of such children, and (4) a case supervision tool specific to the unique needs and risk status of children from birth to three years of age.
Such protocols shall include, but need not be limited to, (1) appropriate supervision of the case, (2) appropriate visitation by department personnel to such children, (3) documentation of case activities relevant to the safety and well-being of such children, and (4) a case supervision tool specific to the unique needs and risk status of children from birth to three years of Public Act No.
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5004 age.
During any sHB5004 / File No.
During any such observation, department personnel shall consider any opinions expressed by the child or other children residing in the household concerning whether such child was abused or neglected.
754 sHB5004 File No.
754 such observation, department personnel shall consider any opinions expressed by the child or other children residing in the household concerning whether such child was abused or neglected.
If the child is represented by anattorney or guardian ad litem, the commissioner shall notify the child's attorney or guardian ad litem in writing not less than five days prior to the date of any meeting in which the department is considering removing the child from the household, except, if the commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, has authorized the immediate removal of a child from his or her household pursuant to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, the commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, shall not be required to provide advance written notice of such removal to the child's attorney or guardian ad litem.
If the child is represented by anattorney or guardian ad litem, the commissioner shall notify the child's attorney or guardian ad litem in writing not less than five days prior to the date of any meeting in which the department is considering removing the child from the household, except, if the Public Act No.
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5004 commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, has authorized the immediate removal of a child from his or her household pursuant to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, the commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, shall not be required to provide advance written notice of such removal to the child's attorney or guardian ad litem.
(NEW) (Effective October 1, 2026) (a) As used in this section, "personal emergency communication device" means a global sHB5004 / File No.
(NEW) (Effective October 1, 2026) (a) As used in this section, "personal emergency communication device" means a global positioning system-enabled, wearable device that allows an individual to contact local police by pressing a button or through another mechanism.
754 sHB5004 File No.
754 positioning system-enabled, wearable device that allows an individual to contact local police by pressing a button or through another mechanism.
(b) The committee shall consist of the following members:
Public Act No.
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5004 (b) The committee shall consist of the following members:
sHB5004 / File No.
(3) Two members appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives, one of whom shall be a private provider of child welfare services;
754 sHB5004 File No.
754 (3) Two members appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives, one of whom shall be a private provider of child welfare services;
(8) The chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations;
(8) The chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters Public Act No.
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5004 relating to appropriations;
(13) The Commissioner of Social Services, or the commissioner's sHB5004 / File No.
(13) The Commissioner of Social Services, or the commissioner's designee;
754 sHB5004 File No.
754 designee;
(d) The chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to children, or the chairperson's designees, and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, or the secretary's designee, shall serve as cochairpersons of the committee.
Public Act No.
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5004 (d) The chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to children, or the chairperson's designees, and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, or the secretary's designee, shall serve as cochairpersons of the committee.
The committee may accept administrative sHB5004 / File No.
The committee may accept administrative support and technical and research assistance from any such organization.
754 sHB5004 File No.
754 support and technical and research assistance from any such organization.
(Effective from passage) The Departments of Children and Families and Emergency Services and Public Protection shall conduct a joint study to identify ways to improve (1) communication between said departments with respect to the provision of child welfare services, and (2) existing policies and practices relating to the removal of children fromsuchchildren'shomespursuant to sections17a-101g,ofthegeneral statutes, as amended by this act, and 46b-129 of the general statutes, as amended by this act.
(Effective from passage) The Departments of Children and Families and Emergency Services and Public Protection shall conduct a joint study to identify ways to improve (1) communication between said departments with respect to the provision of child welfare services, and (2) existing policies and practices relating to the removal of children Public Act No.
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5004 fromsuchchildren'shomespursuant to sections17a-101g,ofthegeneral statutes, as amended by this act, and 46b-129 of the general statutes, as amended by this act.
(Effective from passage) The Department of Children and FamiliesandtheOffice oftheChildAdvocateshallconduct ajoint study to identify ways to improve department policies and practices to ensure the immediate removal from an out-of-home placement made by the Commissioner of Children and Families of any child who becomes a victim of physical or sexual assault occurring in or as a result of such sHB5004 / File No.
(Effective from passage) The Department of Children and FamiliesandtheOffice oftheChildAdvocateshallconduct ajoint study to identify ways to improve department policies and practices to ensure the immediate removal from an out-of-home placement made by the Commissioner of Children and Families of any child who becomes a victim of physical or sexual assault occurring in or as a result of such out-of-home placement.
754 sHB5004 File No.
754 out-of-home placement.
The Department of Public Health may release information relating to an acknowledgment of parentage to (1) a signatory of the acknowledgment, (2) the child if such child is eighteen years of age or older, (3) a guardian of the person whose parentage is acknowledged, (4) an attorney representing a person to whom such information may be released, (5) a court, (6) a federal agency, (7) an authorized representative of the Department of Social Services, (8) an authorized representative of the Department of Children and Families, (9) the child support agency of this state, (10) any agency acting under a cooperative or purchase of service agreement with the child support agency of this state, and (11) the child support agency of another state.
The Department of Public Health may release information relating to an acknowledgment of parentage to (1) a signatory of the acknowledgment, (2) the child if such child is eighteen years of age or older, (3) a guardian of the person whose parentage is acknowledged, (4) an attorney representing a person to whom such information may be released, (5) a court, (6) a federal agency, (7) an authorized representative of the Department of Social Services, (8) an authorized Public Act No.
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5004 representative of the Department of Children and Families, (9) the child support agency of this state, (10) any agency acting under a cooperative or purchase of service agreement with the child support agency of this state, and (11) the child support agency of another state.
Such investigation shall not be conducted by any employee of the Department of Children and Families who conducted sHB5004 / File No.
Such investigation shall not be conducted by any employee of the Department of Children and Families who conducted an investigation into an allegation of child abuse or neglect concerning any child described in subdivisions (1) and (2) of this section during the previous twelve-month period.
754 sHB5004 File No.
754 an investigation into an allegation of child abuse or neglect concerning any child described in subdivisions (1) and (2) of this section during the previous twelve-month period.
(NEW) (Effective October 1, 2026) (a) On and after October 1, 2026, not later than one week following the release from a correctional institution of a person sentenced to a period of parole or probation following such person's conviction for a violation of section 53-20, 53- 21, 53-23, 53a-70c, subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 53a-86, section 53a-90a, sections 53a-196 to 53a-196f, inclusive, or section 53a- 196i of the general statutes, the Commissioner of Correction, or the commissioner's designee, or the executive director of the Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch, or the executive director's designee, as applicable, shall notify the Commissioner of Children and Families, or the commissioner's designee, if an individual under the age of eighteen resides at the residential address to which such person was released.
(NEW) (Effective October 1, 2026) (a) On and after October 1, 2026, not later than one week following the release from a correctional institution of a person sentenced to a period of parole or probation following such person's conviction for a violation of section 53-20, 53- 21, 53-23, 53a-70c, subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 53a-86, Public Act No.
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5004 section 53a-90a, sections 53a-196 to 53a-196f, inclusive, or section 53a- 196i of the general statutes, the Commissioner of Correction, or the commissioner's designee, or the executive director of the Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch, or the executive director's designee, as applicable, shall notify the Commissioner of Children and Families, or the commissioner's designee, if an individual under the age of eighteen resides at the residential address to which such person was released.
The commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, shall conduct a visit to such home not less than monthly sHB5004 / File No.
The commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, shall conduct a visit to such home not less than monthly thereafter, untilsuchperiodofprobationor paroleendsor anindividual under the age of eighteen no longer resides at such address.
754 sHB5004 File No.
(2) The Commissioner of Children and Families, or the commissioner's designee, shall notify the Commissioner of Correction, or the commissioner's designee, or the executive director of the Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch, or the executive director's designee, as applicable, if no individual under the age of eighteen residing at such residential address is under such supervision orreceivingsuchservices.Uponreceiptofsuchnotification,andnotless than every three months thereafter until such period of probation or parole ends or an individual under the age of eighteen no longer resides Public Act No.
754 thereafter, untilsuchperiodofprobationor paroleendsor anindividual under the age of eighteen no longer resides at such address.
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(2) The Commissioner of Children and Families, or the commissioner's designee, shall notify the Commissioner of Correction, or the commissioner's designee, or the executive director of the Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch, or the executive director's designee, as applicable, if no individual under the age of eighteen residing at such residential address is under such supervision orreceivingsuchservices.Uponreceiptofsuchnotification,andnotless than every three months thereafter until such period of probation or parole ends or an individual under the age of eighteen no longer resides at such address, the Commissioner of Correction, or the commissioner's designee, or the executive director of the Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch, or the executive director's designee, as applicable, shall inquire with such probationer or parolee concerning the welfare of any individual under the age of eighteen residing with such probationer or parolee.
5004 at such address, the Commissioner of Correction, or the commissioner's designee, or the executive director of the Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch, or the executive director's designee, as applicable, shall inquire with such probationer or parolee concerning the welfare of any individual under the age of eighteen residing with such probationer or parolee.
This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:
Governor's Action:
Section 1 October 1, 2026 17a-114 Sec.
Approved May 26, 2026 Public Act No.
2 October 1, 2026 46b-129(b) July 1, 2026 Sec.
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3 New section Sec.
4 July 1, 2026 New section Sec.
5 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.
6 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.
7 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.
8 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.
9 July 1, 2026 New section October 1, 2026 Sec.
10 New section Sec.
11 July 1, 2026 New section Sec.
12 from passage New section Sec.
13 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.
14 from passage New section Sec.
15 October 1, 2026 17a-101g(b) Sec.
16 October 1, 2026 New section sHB5004 / File No.
754 sHB5004 File No.
754 Sec.
17 July 1, 2026 New section Sec.
18 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.
19 from passage New section Sec.
20 from passage New section Sec.
21 October 1, 2026 46b-486 Sec.
22 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.
23 October 1, 2026 New section sHB5004 / File No.
754 29 sHB5004 File No.
754 The following Fiscal Impact Statement and Bill Analysis are prepared for the benefit of the members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and explanation and do not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber thereof for any purpose.
In general, fiscal impacts are based upon a variety of informational sources, including the analyst’s professional knowledge.
Whenever applicable, agency data is consulted as part of the analysis, however final products do not necessarily reflect an assessment from any specific department.
OFA Fiscal Note State Impact:
Agency Affected Fund-Effect FY 27 $ FY 28 $ Children & Families, Dept.
GF - Cost At least At least 1,293,900 437,900 Children & Families, Dept.
GF - Potential See Below See Below Cost State Comptroller - Fringe GF - Cost 47,200 113,400 Benefits1 Social Services, Dept.
GF - Cost See Below See Below Note:
GF=General Fund Municipal Impact:
None Explanation The bill, which establishes several new Department of Children and Families (DCF) programs and services and makes other changes regarding DCF, results in an estimated General Fund cost of at least $1,341,100 in FY 27 and $551,300 annually thereafter as described below.
This estimate does not include any grant or stipend costs related to such programscreatedbythebill,asthosecostsaredependentontheamount of funding provided.
Sections 1 and 2 result in no fiscal impact.
They give emergency placement and court proceedings preference to a child's relative or fictive kin, as well as require written documentation and explanation in instances where the DCF commissioner deviates from such placement 1The fringe benefit costs for most state employees are budgeted centrally in accounts administered by the Comptroller.
The estimated active employee fringe benefit cost associated with most personnel changes is 41.82% of payroll in FY 27.
sHB5004 / File No.
754 sHB5004 File No.
754 preference.
Section 1 additionally requires certain written disclosures after an initial foster care license application is denied and allows for appeal.
Sections 3 and 4 establish two new DCF grant programs for certain caregivers to help cover:
(1) child necessities;
and (2) after school program and child care service costs.
This results in a cost of at least $64,100 in FY 27 and $128,100 annually thereafter for one new Grants and Contracts Specialist to administer both grant programs.
The annualized salary for this position is approximately $90,300, plus $37,800 in fringe benefits.
The costs of the grants are dependent on the funding provided and provisions of the grant programs, with half-year costs in FY 27.
Section 5 requires DCF to establish paid social worker internship and first-year social worker employee mentorship programs.
This results in a cost of at least $96,000 in FY 27 and $128,100 annually thereafter for one new training program supervisor to implement the mentorship program, including providing training.
The annualized salary for this position is approximately $90,300, plus $37,800 in fringe benefits.
4 There are additional costs to provide participants in both the internship and mentorship programs with stipends beginning in FY 27, with half-year costs in the first fiscal year, subject to provided funding and provisions of each program.
For the mentorship program, only mentors are required to be provided stipends.
The department is allowed to pay a stipend to each mentee who completes the program.
Sections 6 through 8 require DCF to provide several mandatory employee training programs regarding perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, human trafficking, and cultural sensitivity.
This results in:
(1) a potential cost of up to $30,000 in FY 28 to develop new trainings;
and The FY 27 cost is $45,200 in salary and $18,900 in fringe benefits.
The necessities grants are maximum $625 to any eligible caregiver.
Additionally, the after school program and child care services grant amounts provided in any fiscal year must not exceed 50% of the available program funding for that year.
The FY 27 cost is $67,700 in salary and $28,300 in fringe benefits.
sHB5004 / File No.
754 31 sHB5004 File No.
754 (2) a cost of $90,300 (plus $37,800 fringe benefits) in FY 28 and annually thereafter to hire one training program supervisor who will provide the trainings.
Section 9 expands existing DCF postsecondary education assistance to certain youth receiving DCF services post majority who are between and 21 years old, with continued assistance possible until age 24.
The bill creates a new grant program for this purpose (and available to youngeryouthreceivingservicespostmajority),resultingincosttoDCF beginning in FY 27 (half-year costs for the first fiscal year) subject to:
(1) program participation;
and (2) the grant formula.
There are approximately 220 youth in DCF services post majority.
DCF currently offers postsecondary education (PSE) financial assistance for youth ages 18 through 20 (with extensions possible through age 23) who were/are:
(1) foster children adopted as minors;
or (2) either committed to DCF or receiving DCF services post majority.An eligible student may receive PSE assistance equivalent to the Central Connecticut State University comprehensive rate.
DCF's current agency budget for the PSE program is approximately $15 million.
Section 10 requires the Auditors of Public Accounts (APA) to conduct a performance audit of the postsecondary education grant program, resulting in no fiscal impact because the APA has the necessary staff and expertise to meet the requirements of the bill.
Section 11 requires DCF to create a website to provide information regarding agency programs and services, including a public online dashboard providing real-time information.
This results in a one-time cost to DCF of at least $100,000 to $200,000 in FY 27, and an ongoing annual maintenance cost of approximately $5,000 beginning in FY 28.
These costs reflect the bill's requirement to develop and service another website (instead of using DCF's existing website infrastructure).
This preliminary estimate does not consider additional costs related to building the initial dashboard infrastructure such as data connection and structuring.
Costs related to this may be substantial due to the sHB5004 / File No.
754 32 sHB5004 File No.
754 technical complexity of live-update interactive dashboards and the agency’s inexperience with the new CT-KIND System.
Additionally, costs may vary depending on the capabilities of existing staff and potential need for outside consultants.
While DCF has indicated some data is currently transferrable to a web-based dashboard that is in early development, it is less technically complex than what the bill specifies for update frequency.
Additional costs are also dependent on the total amount, availability, and complexity of information required to be included on the dashboard as determined by the working group established in Section 12.
In addition to the dashboard, the website must also include public information regarding DCF programs and services, information on child abuse and neglect identification and reporting, and free mandated reporter educational training accessible to the public without a username or password.
The agency has the capacity to display these existing materials publicly.
Section 12 establishes a working group to determine additional information to be displayed on the new service dashboard, resulting in no fiscal impact.
Section 13 mandates an out-of-state child notification and welfare check procedure to be initiated by the DCF Commissioner when a DCF- involved youth is out of state for more than 14 days.
This results in no fiscal impact as the agency has the capacity to make the required contacts as required by the bill.
Section 14 prohibits a caregiver's voluntary mental health treatment from being the basis of DCF action, resulting in no fiscal impact.
Section15 requiresDCF personnelto consider opinionsexpressed by children in their investigations, resulting in no fiscal impact.
Section 16 requires DCF to provide personal emergency communication devices to certain DCF staff who wish to avail sHB5004 / File No.
754 33 sHB5004 File No.
754 themselves, resulting in an anticipated net cost of $81,000 to $121,500 in FY 27 and $162,000 to $243,000 annually thereafter.
The agency would acquire approximately 1,000 to 1,500 units (with an anticipated monthly cost of $27 each, with no one-time start-up cost) to outfit DCF staff who frequently make in-home visits.
The mobile GPS alert units require a recurring subscription to connect to a 24/7 emergency response center.
These ongoing costs would qualify for partial reimbursement (50%) through federal Title IV-E funding.
Section 17 requires DCF to establish an urgent crisis center (UCC) in Stamford for the duration of FY 27, resulting in:
(1) a cost of $1 million to $2.5 million to DCF in FY 27 only;
and (2) additional Medicaid costs to the Department of Social Services (DSS).
DCF does not operate or manage any UCCs, but historically has licensed and contracted private providers for this purpose.
From FY 23 through FY 25, DCF grant funding through ARPA subsidized the cost of UCC development and care for non-Medicaid eligible children experiencing a mental health crisis.
The operational cost to DCF for the new Stamford location is estimated to be similar to past expenditures, dependent on regional service utilization differences.
Current funding for UCCs mainly relies on allocations in the state budget through Medicaid.
DSS will incur increased Medicaid costs, which are dependent on Medicaid eligible patients and associated utilization of services at the new UCC.
Section 18 establishes a Child Welfare Policy and Oversight Committee to evaluate:
(1) recommendations concerning the operation, policies, and service outcomes of state agencies providing child welfare services;
and (2) the efficacy and continued operation of existing state- wide boards, committees and councils charged with oversight and evaluation of child welfare services.
This results in no fiscal impact as the Committee may obtain administrative support from a consulting child welfare organization.
sHB5004 / File No.
754 34 sHB5004 File No.
754 Sections 19 and 20 require DCF and collaborating agencies to produce new reports on:
(1) DCF service collaboration with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP);
and (2) ways to ensure the immediate removal from an out-of-home placement of any child who becomes an assault victim in or due to such placement.
This results in no fiscal impact, as the agencies have the necessary expertise to meet the requirements of the bill.
Section 21 makes certain procedural changes authorizing the Department of Public Health in certain circumstances to release information relating to an acknowledgment of parentage, resulting in no fiscal impact.
Section 22 expands the scope of child abuse and neglect reports necessitating immediate investigation and tightens the timeframe, resulting in a potential cost to DCF beginning in FY 27 to the extent 5 these case prioritizations require additional staff to efficiently manage overall caseloads.
House "A" strikes the underlying bill and its associated fiscal impact, resulting in the impacts described above.
House "C" requires DCF to conduct in-home safety evaluations of any individual under the age of 18 who resides with certain individuals on probation or parole, resulting in a potential cost to the agency beginning in FY 27.
DCF may require additional staff and resources to accommodate the visitation schedules required by the bill.
The extent of the potential cost is dependent on:
(1) the number of individuals on probation or parole for certain offenses that share a residence with a child;
(2) the length of probation or parole for the individuals;
and (3) the duration each child resides with such individuals.
Investigations of child abuse or neglect reports typically begin within 24 to 72 hours from receipt of an initial report unless a child is in imminent risk of physical harm or the abuse or neglect claim is against a parent/guardian, or certain other circumstances apply.
DCF must make its "best efforts" to commence an investigation of such reports within two hours of their receipt, pursuant to CGS Sec.
17a-101g.
sHB5004 / File No.
754 35 sHB5004 File No.
754 The Out Years The annualized ongoing fiscal impact identified above would continue into the future subject to inflation and participation in the postsecondary education grant program.
sHB5004 / File No.
754 36 sHB5004 File No.
754 OLR Bill Analysis sHB 5004 (as amended by House "A" and "C")* AN ACT CONCERNING CHILD WELFARE ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
SUMMARY § 1 — RELATIVE AND FICTIVE KIN IN EMERGENCY PLACEMENTS Requires, rather than permits, the DCF commissioner to make an emergency placement of a child to an unlicensed relative or fictive kin caregiver if certain conditions are met;
requires the commissioner to document in writing the reasons for denying these placments § 1 — FOSTER PARENT LICENSE DENIAL Provides those denied a foster care license the ability to appeal the decision to the DCF commissioner;
requires the commissioner to decide on the appeal within 60 days § 2 — RELATIVE AND FICTIVE KIN AND ABUSE AND NEGLECT PROCEEDINGS Explicitly includes a fictive kin caregiver in the placement options for an abuse and neglect proceeding;
requires the state agency to give primary consideration to placement with them § 3 — RELATIVE OR FICTIVE KIN CAREGIVER GRANT FOR NECESSITIES Establishes a grant program to make payments to certain caregivers for clothing, food, safety- relatedpurchases,andothernecessitiesforchildren intheir careafteranemergencyplacement § 4 — AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM GRANTS FOR FOSTER CAREGIVERS Establishes a grant program giving financial support to caregivers to help cover the cost of after school programs for foster children in their care § 5 — ESTABLISHMENT OF PROSPECTIVE SOCIAL WORKER INTERNSHIP AND FIRST YEAR SOCIAL WORKER MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS Requires training for DCF staff on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, human trafficking, and cultural sensitivity and implicit bias §§ 9 & 10 — POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM FOR YOUTHS IN DCF CARE Requires DCF to establish a postsecondary education grant program for young people who were adopted before turning 18 and those who consent to stay in DCF care after turning 18 sHB5004 / File No.
754 37 sHB5004 File No.
754 years old;
requires the state auditors to audit the program;
and establishes reporting requirements §§ 11 & 12 — DCF ONLINE DASHBOARD AND ASSOCIATED WORKING GROUP Requires DCF to make a public website with an online dashboard and various information related to DCF programs and procedures and child welfare by January 1, 2027;
creates a working group to identify information for the online dashboard § 13 — DCF PROCEDURES WHEN A CHILD UNDER PROTECTIVE SUPERVISION OR SERVICES IS TAKEN OUT OF STATE BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN Requires DCF to carry out specified procedures when a child who is the subject of a DCF investigation, under protective supervision, receiving protective services, or residing with a child who meets one of these criteria is taken out-of-state by a parent or guardian § 14 — PROHIBITION OF USING MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT AS SOLE OR PRIMARY REASON FOR DCF ACTION Generally prohibits DCF from using evidence that a parent or guardian has voluntarily sought or received mental health treatment as the sole reason to pursue any action or proceeding § 15 — CONSIDERATION OF CHILD’S EXPRESSED OPINION IN DCF HOME VISITS Requires DCF personnel to consider children’s opinions during home visits when investigating a report of child abuse or neglect of a young child § 16 — PERSONAL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION DEVICES FOR DCF STAFF DURING HOME VISITS Requires DCF to offer employees who do visits to the homes of children under DCF supervision personal emergency communication devices § 17 — URGENT CRISIS CENTER Requires DCF to establish an urgent crisis center in Stamford for FY 27 § 18 — CHILD WELFARE POLICY AND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Establishes a Child Welfare Policy and Oversight Committee charged with making recommendations about the state agencies providing services relating to child welfare § 19 — DCF AND DESPP COMMUNICATION IMPROVEMENT AND CHILD WELFARE POLICIES STUDY Requires DCF and DESPP to study and report on improving their communication with one another and their policies on removing children from home § 20 — IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FOR CHILD VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT FROM OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENTS REPORT Requires DCF and OCA to study and report on ways to improve department policies and practices to ensure a child’s immediate removal from an out-of-home placement if they become a victim of physical or sexual assault § 21 — RELEASING ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PARENTAGE INFORMATION Permits DPH to release acknowledgment of parentage information to DCF sHB5004 / File No.
754 38 sHB5004 File No.
754 § 22 — REQUIRING AN INVESTIGATION AND NEW DCF INVESTIGATOR IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES Regardless of the DCF process for evaluating accepted reports and choosing a response based on the severity of the situation, requires DCF investigation and assignment of a new investigator in certain circumstances of alleged abuse or neglect § 501 — ADDITIONAL OVERSIGHT AND NOTIFICATIONS ON PEOPLE CONVICTED OF CERTAIN CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN Requires additional follow-up and oversight of people who are convicted of certain crimes and then live with a minor child and requires notification to DCF when people convicted of these crimes are released from incarceration SUMMARY This bill makes numerous changes to child welfare law.
A section-by- section analysis follows.
*HouseAmendment“A”makesvariouschangestothebill,including (1) adding the ability to appeal the denial of a foster care license;
(2) changing aspects of the caregiver grant for necessities, including narrowing eligibility and specifying a $625 maximum grant;
(3) adding the provisions on releasing information relating to an acknowledgment of parentage and requiring an investigation and a new investigator in certain Department of Children and Families (DCF) abuse and neglect cases;
(4) adding the Appropriations Committee chairs and ranking members to the policy and oversight committee and allowing the committee to vote to terminate itselfin five years;
making variousminor and technical changes.
Amendment “A” also modifies the (1) after school program grant program for foster caregivers by extending it to certainrelative or fictive kincaregiversandsettingaspending limit;(2)socialworkermentorship and internship programs by requiring DCF to report on them and allowing DCF to pay a stipend to certain participants;
(3) postsecondary education grant program for youths in DCF care, including by lowering the maximum age (from 26 to 21) to participate and allowing participation past this age with DCF’s permission;
(4) DCF online dashboard, including by allowing it to be on the department’s existing website, requiring additional information, and adding the ranking sHB5004 / File No.
754 39 sHB5004 File No.
754 members of the Committee on Children to the associated working group;
and (5) procedures for a parent or guardian to take a child under protective supervision or services out of state.
This amendment also removes from the underlying bill the (1) stipends for DCF employees providing training, (2) requirement for a DCF public awareness campaign, (3) provision prohibiting DCF from using a parent or guardian’s mental health treatment as the primary reason to pursue any action (but it keeps the prohibition on it being the only reason), (4) report on foster care licensure requirements for relative and fictive kin caregivers, and (5) provision on the subsidized guardianship program.
*House Amendment “C” adds a provision that requires additional follow-up and oversight of people who are convicted of certain crimes and then live with a minor child.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Various, see below.
§ 1 — RELATIVE AND FICTIVE KIN IN EMERGENCY PLACEMENTS Requires, rather than permits, the DCF commissioner to make an emergency placement of a child to an unlicensed relative or fictive kin caregiver if certain conditions are met;
requires the commissioner to document in writing the reasons for denying these placments The bill requires, rather than permits, the DCF commissioner to make an emergency placement of a child to a relative or fictive kin caregiver (an unrelated person at least 21 years old who has a significant emotional connection with the child or family), even if the person is not DCF-licensed or -approved when the placement is deemed in the child’s best interest.
As under current law, DCF must first do a basic family assessment, including a home visit.
By law, an “emergency placement” is the placement of a child in the home of a relative or fictive kin caregiver due to the sudden unavailability of the child’s primary caretaker.
As part of this process, the commissioner must order a criminal history and child abuse registry check of anyone 18 years old or older living in the home after the placement is approved.
By law, the criminal sHB5004 / File No.
754 40 sHB5004 File No.
754 history can result in the denial of the placement and removal of the child.Thebillrequiresthecommissioner to document thereasonfor any denial of a placement with, or removal from, a relative or fictive kind caregiver.
The bill also requires the commissioner, when placing a child with someone who is not a relative or fictive kind caregiver, to document why doing so, rather than placing the child with a relative or fictive kin caregiver, is in the child’s best interests.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
October 1, 2026 § 1 — FOSTER PARENT LICENSE DENIAL Provides those denied a foster care license the ability to appeal the decision to the DCF commissioner;
requires the commissioner to decide on the appeal within 60 days Upon the denial of an initial foster care license, the bill requires DCF to disclose, in writing, the reason for the denial to the applicant.
Any applicant denied an initial license can appeal the denial to the commissioner within 30 days after the denial, in a way the commissioner establishes.
The commissioner must grant the license or affirm the denial, in writing, within 60 days after the applicant makes the appeal.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
October 1, 2026 § 2 — RELATIVE AND FICTIVE KIN AND ABUSE AND NEGLECT PROCEEDINGS Explicitly includes a fictive kin caregiver in the placement options for an abuse and neglect proceeding;
requires the state agency to give primary consideration to placement with them Under current law, following a petition to the court alleging child abuse or neglect, a court can consider vesting the child’s care and custody temporarily with a relative, agency, or other person.
The bill explicitly includesa fictivekincaregiver inthe list ofpossibletemporary care and custody placement options a court can consider during these proceedings and when these orders are made ex parte (on behalf of one party).
sHB5004 / File No.
754 41 sHB5004 File No.
754 Current law requires the state agency with authority for the child to give primary consideration to placing the child in the town where the child lives.
Under the bill the agency must give primary consideration to placement with a relative or fictive kin caregiver.
If that placement is denied, the agency must give secondary consideration to placing the child in the town where the child lives.
By law, the agency must file, in writing, with the court clerk the reasons for a child’s particular placement.
The bill adds that the filing must include confirmation that the placement selected for the child, if the placement is not with a relative or fictive kin caregiver, serves the best interests of the child.
The bill makes related minor and conforming changes.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
October 1, 2026 § 3 — RELATIVE OR FICTIVE KIN CAREGIVER GRANT FOR NECESSITIES Establishes a grant program to make payments to certain caregivers for clothing, food, safety-related purchases, and other necessities for children in their care after an emergency placement The bill establishes a grant program to make payments to caregivers for clothing, food, safety-related purchases, and other necessities for the children in their care upon the DCF placement of these children.
For purposes of the grant, a “caregiver” is a relative or fictive kin caregiver who has accepted emergency placement of a child by DCF.
It requires the DCF commissioner, by January 1, 2027, to develop a distribution formula for the grant payments, which must set the maximum total grant payment at $625, and guidelines for the appropriate expenditure of grant payments.
The bill requires each caregiver receiving a grant payment to file an expenditure report with the DCF commissioner as she determines.
A caregiver must pay back any amounts not spent in line with the commissioner’s guidelines.
sHB5004 / File No.
754 42 sHB5004 File No.
754 By January 1, 2028, and each following year, the DCF commissioner must submit a report to the Child Welfare Policy and Oversight Committee (see § 18) and the Committee on Children.
The report must include, for the preceding year, the number of grant payments made, and the amount of each one, and the length of each placement that has ended.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
July 1, 2026 § 4 — AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM GRANTS FOR FOSTER CAREGIVERS Establishes a grant program giving financial support to caregivers to help cover the cost of after school programs for foster children in their care The bill establishes a grant program to give financial support to caregivers to cover, either fully or partially, the costs of after school programs for children placed in their care.
Under the bill, after school programstake place after regular schoolhoursandprovideeducational, enrichment, and recreational activities for children grades kindergarten through12.“Caregivers”aregenerallythosewhoareeithera(1)relative or fictive kin caregiver who has accepted emergency placement of a child or (2) licensed foster care provider caring for a child for whom reunification with the parent is unlikely within the foreseeable future.
Grant payments must be prioritized for caregivers who are eligible for foster care maintenance payments or a guardianship subsidy, but who have not yet received an initial payment or subsidy.
The bill also specifies that no more than 50% of the total funds available in any fiscal year for the grant program can be for either after school program or child care service costs.
For the grant program, the bill requires DCF to develop the following by January 1, 2027:
1.
an application process;
2.
caregiver eligibility criteria;
3.
appropriate expenditure guidelines for the caregiver grants;
and sHB5004 / File No.
754 43 sHB5004 File No.
754 4.
a grant distribution formula, including the maximum grant available.
Each caregiver who receives a grant must (1) file an expenditure report with DCF and (2) return unexpended funds to DCF.
Beginning by January 1, 2028, the bill also requires DCF to annually report to the Child Welfare Policy and Oversight Committee (see § 20) on the number of applications it received and grants it provided.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
July 1, 2026 § 5 — ESTABLISHMENT OF PROSPECTIVE SOCIAL WORKER INTERNSHIP AND FIRST YEAR SOCIAL WORKER MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS Requires DCF to establish a (1) first-year social worker mentorship program for their newly hired social workers and (2) prospective social worker internship program for people enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in a relevant field The bill requires DCF to establish a (1) first-year social worker mentorship program and (2) prospective social worker internship program (in consultation with higher education institutions).
Under the bill,DCFmust(1)establishboththeinternshipandmentorshipprogram by January 1, 2027, and (2) pay a stipend to each intern and mentor who successfully completes either program.
For both programs, DCF must:
1.
establish an application process and acceptance criteria, 2.
set mentor-selection criteria, and 3.
recruit social workers to be mentors.
Additionally, the bill requires DCF to annually report on these two programs to the Child Welfare Policy and Oversight Committee (see § 18below)andtheCommitteeonChildren,beginningbyJanuary1,2028.
The report must include, for the preceding year, (1) the number of program participants, (2) each program’s cost, (3) whether adequate resources have been allocated to each program, and (4) participant sHB5004 / File No.
754 44 sHB5004 File No.
754 recruitment and retention statistics.
Prospective Social Worker Internship Program The bill requires DCF, in consultation with institutions of higher education in Connecticut, to establish a prospective social worker internship program for people enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in a relevant field, including, among others, social work, applied sociology, child development, clinical psychology, nursing, social services, education, or criminal justice.
The program, administered through at least one academic semester, must (1) include opportunities for internship experiences, job shadowing, support, and coaching, and (2) offer participants insight into the challenges and benefits of social work.
First-Year Social Worker Mentorship Program The bill requires DCF to establish a first-year social worker mentorship program for their newly hired social workers.
The program, administered during participants’ first year as a social worker, must include opportunities for job shadowing, support, and coaching.
Under the bill, DCF may pay a stipend to each newly hired social worker who successfully completes the program.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
October 1, 2026 §§ 6-8 — TRAINING ON PERINATAL MOOD AND ANXIETY, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, AND CULTURAL SENSITIVITY Requires training for DCF staff on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, human trafficking, and cultural sensitivity and implicit bias The bill requires the DCF commissioner to develop and provide a mandatory educational training program for DCF employees in three areas:
(1) perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, (2) human trafficking, and (3) cultural sensitivity in the delivery of the department’s services and implicit bias.
For all three types of training, DCF employees hired before January sHB5004 / File No.
754 45 sHB5004 File No.
754 1, 2028, must initially complete each training by December 31, 2028.
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2028, must initially complete each training not later than one year after beginning employment.
The perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and human trafficking trainings must be completed at least once, andthe culturalsensitivity andimplicit bias training at least once every two years.
All three trainings must be ready by January 1, 2028, and be offered at least every six months.
Each training must include the respective guidance to the employees.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
October 1, 2026 Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (§ 6) The DCF commissioner must develop and provide a mandatory educational training program for DCF employees about (1) perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and (2) trauma-informed, non-stigmatizing practices for interacting with people suffering from these disorders.
The commissioner must do this in consultation with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services commissioner.
Human Trafficking (§ 7) The DCF commissioner must develop and provide a mandatory educational training program for DCF employees about human trafficking and trauma-informed, non-stigmatizing practices for interacting with child and adult victims of human trafficking.
The commissioner must do this in consultation with the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity’s executive director, and the Emergency Services and Public Protection commissioner.
Cultural Sensitivity and Implicit Bias (§ 8) The DCF commissioner must develop and provide a mandatory educational training program for DCF employees about implicit bias and delivering the agency’s services with cultural sensitivity.
Under the bill “implicit bias” means an attitude or internalized stereotype that sHB5004 / File No.
754 46 sHB5004 File No.
754 affects a person’s perceptions, actions, and decisions in an unconscious way and often contributes to unequal treatment of someone based on their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other characteristic.
§§ 9 & 10 — POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM FOR YOUTHS IN DCF CARE Requires DCF to establish a postsecondary education grant program for young people who were adopted before turning 18 and those who consent to stay in DCF care after turning years old;
requires the state auditors to audit the program;
and establishes reporting requirements The bill requires DCF to establish a postsecondary education grant program by January 1, 2027.
The program must give grants to fund postsecondary education, meaning programs that lead to an academic degree, vocation certification, or trade, for youths who were adopted through DCF’s foster care program on or after January 1, 2005, prior to turning 18 years old, and (2) consent to remain in DCF care after turning years old.
Under the bill, young people cannot participate in the program after they turn 21 years old.
However, with DCF’s permission, they may continue to participate until they (1) turn 24 years old or (2) complete their postsecondary education program, whichever happens first.
DCF must establish:
1.
an application process, 2.
a list of DCF-approved postsecondary education programs, 3.
a grant distribution formula, and 4.
eligibility criteria.
Each year, participants must complete (1) the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and (2) applications for any appropriate scholarships and grants, including any available through a scholarship application portal administered by an education provider.
DCF must report to the Committee on Children on (1) the number of sHB5004 / File No.
754 47 sHB5004 File No.
754 applicants received and accepted and (2) any challenges implementing the program by July 1, 2027.
The bill also requires DCF to report, by January 1, 2028, to the Children, Higher Education and Employment Advancement, Appropriations, and Government Oversight committees, and to the State Auditors of Public Accounts on this program and any similar program.
It must include information on:
1.
the number of applicants received and accepted;
2.
grant payment information, including the total grant payments offered and average grant payment amount per participant;
3.
postsecondary education program information, including what postsecondary programs participants enrolled in and the percentage of participants who completed the postsecondary program;
4.
the number of participants who have requested, and have been approved, to remain in the program after turning 21 years old;
5.
reasons why DCF denied initial applicants and existing participants’ requests to remain in the program after turning 21;
6.
demographic information;
and 7.
how long any similar program has existed.
The auditors then must do a performance audit of the program by July 1, 2028, and submit a report to the same committees.
The report must include results of the audit, any recommendations on the grant program under the bill, and cover generally the same information as the report DCF provided the auditors, described above.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
July 1, 2026, except the provision requiring the program to be audited is effective October 1, 2026.
sHB5004 / File No.
754 48 sHB5004 File No.
754 §§ 11 & 12 — DCF ONLINE DASHBOARD AND ASSOCIATED WORKING GROUP Requires DCF to make a public website with an online dashboard and various information related to DCF programs and procedures and child welfare by January 1, 2027;
creates a working group to identify information for the online dashboard The bill requires DCF to make, by January 1, 2027, a public, online dashboard with information on DCF’s state-wide programs relating to services for abused, neglected, and uncared for children and young people, as well as children and young people who have mental health needs and substance use disorders.
The dashboard also must (1) include information identified by the working group (see Online Dashboard Working Group below);
(2) include information identified in the annual reports relating to caregiver grant programs and social worker internship and mentorship programs established through the bill (see §§ 3, 4 & 5 above);
(3) be integrated with any electronic data collection andtrackingtoolsDCFuses;and(4)presentinformationinanaccessible way.
The dashboard must be web-based and may be within DCF’s existing website, and must also include information on:
1.
DCF offices, programs, and services, including the Office of Community Relations, housing and homelessness programs, the child abuse and neglect Careline, and text message programs for the public;
and 2.
child abuse and neglect identification and how to report child abuse and neglect.
The website must also include the mandated reporter video training program and any accompanying training materials in a publicly- accessible format that does not require a username or password.
Online Dashboard Working Group The bill creates a working group to identify information to be included on the online dashboard.
The working group must consist of:
1.
members of the General Assembly, as designated by the sHB5004 / File No.
754 49 sHB5004 File No.
754 Committee on Children chairpersons;
2.
the ranking members of the Committee on Children or their designees;
3.
any people the chairpersons find relevant and necessary to carry out the duties of the working group;
and 4.
the DCF commissioner or her designee.
The Committee on Children’s administrative staff serve as the working group’s administrative staff.
The working group must submit a report with its findings to the Committee on Children by October 1, 2026, and ends on that date or when it submits its report, whichever is later.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
July 1, 2026, except the provision creating the working group is effective upon passage.
§ 13 — DCF PROCEDURES WHEN A CHILD UNDER PROTECTIVE SUPERVISION OR SERVICES IS TAKEN OUT OF STATE BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN Requires DCF to carry out specified procedures when a child who is the subject of a DCF investigation, under protective supervision, receiving protective services, or residing with a child who meets one of these criteria is taken out-of-state by a parent or guardian The bill requires the parent or guardian of a child who (1) is the subject of a DCF investigation, (2) is under protective supervision or receiving protective services, or (3) residing with a child who meets at least one of these two previous criteria must notify DCF if the child will be taken out of the state for more than 14 consecutive days.
The bill also allows DCF, to require the parent or guardian to notify DCF if the child will be taken out-of-state 14 or fewer days.
The bill also requires DCF to give written notice of these provisions to the parents or guardians of each eligible child.
Notification Requirements The parent or guardian must give this notice to DCF at least 48 hours sHB5004 / File No.
754 50 sHB5004 File No.
754 before taking the child out of state and must include (1) the address of each place where the child will sleep during this period and (2) how long the child will be out-of-state and, if this changes, the parent must notify DCF as soon as is practicable.
Failure to Notify Procedures The bill requires DCF to follow specified procedures when a parent or guardian removing a covered child out-of state fails to notify DCF in the way previously described.
It also allows DCF to follow these procedures when a covered child is taken out-of-state for 14 or fewer days.
In these situations, DCF must attempt to contact a parent, guardian, or other family member on three consecutive days to determine the child’s location (if unknown) and evaluate the child’s safety.
If contact is made and the child’s location is determined, DCF must (1) contact the child welfare or law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the child is located (the “local agency”) and ask them to do an in-person visit to the child to ensure the child’s safety, (2) follow-up with the local agency on three consecutive days following the initial visit request to ensure the child was actually visited and to discuss any findings, and (3) directly visit with the child in-person (or virtually if in-person is not feasible) to evaluate the child’s safety.
DCF must document in writing all attempts to contact the child, parent, guardian, family member, and local agency.
The bill also specifies that if DCF is not notified of the child’s removal from the state until after they have already returned, they do not need to follow the above procedures.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
October 1, 2026 § 14 — PROHIBITION OF USING MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT AS SOLE OR PRIMARY REASON FOR DCF ACTION Generally prohibits DCF from using evidence that a parent or guardian has voluntarily sought or received mental health treatment as the sole reason to pursue any action or proceeding sHB5004 / File No.
754 51 sHB5004 File No.
754 The bill generally prohibits DCF from using evidence that a parent or guardian has voluntarily sought or received professional mental health treatment as the sole reason to pursue any action or proceeding related to harm or risk of harm.
Under the bill, this treatment can be sought for mental health concerns including, among others, perinatal mood or anxiety disorders.
But the bill specifies that DCF can still (1) act when a child is harmed or at risk of harm and (2) use mental health treatment evidence in an action or proceeding if otherwise authorized.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Upon passage § 15 — CONSIDERATION OF CHILD’S EXPRESSED OPINION IN DCF HOME VISITS Requires DCF personnel to consider children’s opinions during home visits when investigating a report of child abuse or neglect of a young child By law, all DCF investigations into reports of child abuse or neglect for children from birth to age three must include a home visit to, among other things:
1.
observe the child and any siblings;
2.
evaluatetheparents,home,andconditionofotherchildrenliving in the household;
and 3.
if appropriate, determine the nature and extent of, and who is responsible for, the reported abuse or neglect.
The bill requires that during these home visits, DCF personnel consider any opinions expressed by the child or other children living in the household about whether the child was abused or neglected.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
October 1, 2026 § 16 — PERSONAL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION DEVICES FOR DCF STAFF DURING HOME VISITS Requires DCF to offer employees who do visits to the homes of children under DCF supervision personal emergency communication devices sHB5004 / File No.
754 52 sHB5004 File No.
754 The bill requires the DCF commissioner, beginning January 1, 2027, to give all DCF employees who regularly do visits to, or evaluations of, the homes of children under the commissioner’s supervision personal emergency communication devices if the employees chose to use the devices during these visits or evaluations.
The commissioner must also develop guidelines and a training program for their use.
The bill defines “personal emergency communication device” as a GPS-enabled, wearable device that allows someone to contact local police by pressing a button or through another mechanism.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
October 1, 2026 § 17 — URGENT CRISIS CENTER Requires DCF to establish an urgent crisis center in Stamford for FY 27 The bill requires DCF to establish an urgent crisis center in Stamford for FY 27.
Urgent crisis centers are walk-in clinics that provide immediate access to mental health services for children who do not require medical emergency department care.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
July 1, 2026 § 18 — CHILD WELFARE POLICY AND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Establishes a Child Welfare Policy and Oversight Committee charged with making recommendations about the state agencies providing services relating to child welfare The bill establishes a 32-member Child Welfare Policy and Oversight Committee.
The committee is charged with evaluating and making recommendations about the operation, policies, and service outcomes of state agencies providing services relating to and supporting child welfare in the state and (2) the efficacy and continued operation of existing statewide boards, committees, and councils charged with oversight and evaluation of child welfare services.
The committee is made up of members named by position and appointed members.
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Action History

  1. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

  2. TRANSMITTED BY SECRETARY OF THE STATE TO GOVERNOR

  3. TRANSMITTED TO SECRETARY OF THE STATE

  4. PUBLIC ACT 26-26

  5. IN CONCURRENCE

  6. SEN. PASSED, HO. AMEND. SCH. A,C

  7. SEN. REJ. SEN. AMEND. SCH. A

  8. SEN. ADOPTED HO. AMEND. SCH. A,C

  9. FILE NO. 754

  10. SENATE CALENDAR NUMBER 503

  11. FAV. RPT., TAB. FOR CAL., SEN.

  12. IMMEDIATE TRANSMITTAL TO THE SENATE

  13. HOUSE PASSED, HOUSE AMEND. SCH. A,C

  14. HOUSE ADOPTED HOUSE AMEND. SCH. C

  15. AMENDMENT WITHDRAWN HOUSE AMEND. SCH. B

  16. HOUSE ADOPTED HOUSE AMEND. SCH. A

  17. TABLED FOR HOUSE CALENDAR

  18. NO NEW FILE BY COMM. ON Appropriations

  19. RPTD. OUT OF LCO

  20. FILED WITH LCO

  21. Joint Favorable

  22. REF. BY HOUSE TO COMMITTEE ON Appropriations

  23. FILE NO. 103

  24. HOUSE CALENDAR NUMBER 97

  25. FAV. RPT., TABLED FOR HOUSE CALENDAR

  26. RPTD. OUT OF LCO

  27. REFERRED TO Office of Legislative Research AND Office of Fiscal Analysis 03/23/26

  28. FILED WITH LCO

  29. Joint Favorable Substitute

  30. PUBLIC HEARING 0303

  31. REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Committee on Children

Sponsors

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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 5004?
HB 5004 is sponsored by John A. Kissel (Republican), Stephen G. Harding (Republican), Paul Cicarella (Republican), Heather S. Somers (Republican), Eric C. Berthel (Republican), Craig C. Fishbein (Republican), Mark W. Anderson (Republican), Jason Buchsbaum (Republican), Patricia Billie Miller (Democratic), Martin Foncello (Republican), Tony J. Scott (Republican), Gale L. Mastrofrancesco (Republican), Jonathan Fazzino (Democratic), Derell Wilson (Democratic), Tony Hwang (Republican), Moira Rader (Democratic), Hilda E. Santiago (Democratic), Anne Dauphinais (Republican), William Pizzuto (Republican), Mitch Bolinsky (Republican), Kenneth Gucker (Democratic), Tom Delnicki (Republican), Jaime S. Foster (Democratic), Bob Godfrey (Democratic), Kate Farrar (Democratic), Tammy R. Exum (Democratic), Daniel Gaiewski (Democratic), Hubert D. Delany (Democratic), Robin E. Comey (Democratic), John-Michael Parker (Democratic), Anne M. Hughes (Democratic), Larry B. Butler (Democratic), James Sanchez (Democratic), Lucy Dathan (Democratic), Laurie Sweet (Democratic), Jillian Gilchrest (Democratic), Eleni Kavros DeGraw (Democratic), Jane M. Garibay (Democratic), Antonio Felipe (Democratic), Gary A. Turco (Democratic), William Heffernan (Democratic), Nick Gauthier (Democratic), Nicholas Menapace (Democratic), John Santanella (Democratic), Josh Elliott (Democratic), Joshua M. Hall (Democratic), Anthony L. Nolan (Democratic), Toni E. Walker (Democratic), Jonathan Jacobson (Democratic), Trenee McGee (Democratic), Mary Welander (Democratic), Sarah Keitt (Democratic), Iris N Sanchez (Democratic), Hector Arzeno (Democratic), Christopher Poulos (Democratic), Geraldo C. Reyes (Democratic), and Amy Morrin Bello (Democratic).
What is the current status of HB 5004?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 26, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track HB 5004?
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