SB56 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Foster parents, notice and hearing before foster child removed from home, termination of parental rights, action by Department of Human Resources, custody proceedings, intervention, appointed counsel upon finding of indigency, Sec. 38-12A-2 am'd.

Summary

This bill expands foster parent rights in Alabama by adding notice and hearing before removal, appeal rights, ability to intervene in certain Department actions, and access to appointed counsel for indigent custody proceedings.

What This Bill Does

SB56 would amend Section 38-12A-2 to require the Department of Human Resources to give foster parents notice and a hearing before removing a child, and allow them to appeal the removal decision. It also allows foster parents to intervene in Department-initiated actions to terminate parental rights and, after the child has lived with them for 12 consecutive months, in custody proceedings. Additionally, the bill ensures foster parents have access to appointed counsel in certain custody proceedings if they are indigent. The bill expands various informational and support rights to help foster parents care for the child.

Who It Affects

• Foster parents – gain new/expanded rights including notice and hearing before removal, appeal rights, ability to intervene in termination of parental rights and certain custody proceedings after 12 months, and access to court-appointed counsel if indigent.
• Department of Human Resources and the foster care system – must implement and uphold these rights, providing necessary information, training, notices, and support, and managing new processes for removals, hearings, appeals, and interventions.

Key Provisions

• Right to notice and a hearing before removal of a foster child, and the right to appeal the removal decision.
• Right to intervene in Department-initiated actions to terminate parental rights and, after 12 consecutive months with the child, to intervene in custody proceedings.
• Right to appointed counsel in custody proceedings for foster parents upon a finding of indigency.
• Expanded rights to information, training, input on services, access to records, notice of meetings, and ongoing communication with professionals to support the child and family.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Foster Parents