Bill Text: CT SB00296 | 2010 | General Assembly | Comm Sub
Bill Title: An Act Concerning Visitation Between A Parent And A Child In Cases Involving The Department Of Children And Families.
Spectrum: Committee Bill
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2010-04-22 - House Calendar Number 373 [SB00296 Detail]
Download: Connecticut-2010-SB00296-Comm_Sub.html
General Assembly |
Raised Bill No. 296 | ||
February Session, 2010 |
LCO No. 1343 | ||
*_____SB00296KIDHS_031010____* | |||
Referred to Committee on Select Committee on Children |
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Introduced by: |
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(KID) |
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AN ACT CONCERNING VISITATION BETWEEN A PARENT AND A CHILD IN CASES INVOLVING THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:
Section 1. Section 17a-10a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2010):
(a) The Commissioner of Children and Families shall ensure that a child placed in the care and custody of the commissioner pursuant to an order of temporary custody or an order of commitment is provided visitation with such child's parents and siblings, unless otherwise ordered by the court.
(b) The commissioner shall ensure that such child's visits with his or her parents shall occur as frequently as reasonably possible, based upon consideration of the best interests of the child, including the age and developmental level of the child, and shall be sufficient in number and duration to ensure continuation of the relationship.
(c) If such child has an existing relationship with a sibling and is separated from such sibling as a result of intervention by the commissioner including, but not limited to, placement in a foster home or in the home of a relative, the commissioner shall, based upon consideration of the best interests of the child, ensure that such child has access to and visitation rights with such sibling throughout the duration of such placement. In determining the number, frequency and duration of such visits, the commissioner shall consider the best interests of each sibling, given each child's age and developmental level and the continuation of the sibling relationship.
(d) The commissioner shall include in each child's plan of treatment information relating to the factors considered in making visitation determinations pursuant to this section. If a permanency plan includes reunification with a parent, the plan shall provide for visits at least once a week at a designated place. If the commissioner determines that such visits are not in the best interests of the child or that the number, frequency or duration of the visits requested by the child's attorney or guardian ad litem is not in the best interests of the child, the commissioner shall include the reasons for such determination in the child's plan of treatment. Visits with a parent shall not be suspended, except in an emergency, unless the commissioner conducts a hearing on such suspension.
This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections: | ||
Section 1 |
October 1, 2010 |
17a-10a |
KID |
Joint Favorable C/R |
HS |