Partners for Our Children

Beginning September 1, 2020, the department shall implement and operate the Family Connections Program (FCP), which facilitates interaction between birth parents and caregivers. 

The FCP facilitates the support of a parent ally (for the birth parent), and a caregiver mentor (for the foster parent or kinship care provider). Further roles of the FCP are outlined and described. After one year, the department shall submit a report to the legislature that includes relevant data, outcomes of families who engaged, and the department’s plan for state-wide expansion. Previous language is updated to include the title of “parent ally”.

Amendments:

1st substitute:

Adds language stating that any funding for the family connections program must supplement not supplant funding for represented caseworkers.