SB80 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew JonesSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Juvenile dependency, priorities for existing caregivers and foster parents when placing children adjudicated dependent into permanent living arrangements, Sec. 12-15-314 am'd.

Summary

The bill requires a thorough search to find a qualified caregiver for dependent children and can grant permanent custody to a long-time caregiver if removal would harm the child.

What This Bill Does

When a child is found dependent, the Department of Human Resources must perform a diligent search to locate relatives or other suitable caregivers. The search must include interviews with the child, parents, relatives, and other likely contacts, plus comprehensive checks of records like employment, residence, and criminal history, conducted during court hearings. If the child has lived with a caregiver for 12 months or more before dependency is found, and removing them would harm the child’s emotional well-being, the court must determine that keeping the child with that caregiver is in the child’s best interests and grant permanent custody to the caregiver.

Who It Affects

• Dependent children in Alabama who are adjudicated dependent and may be placed permanently with a caregiver.
• Relatives or other individuals identified as potential caregivers (including kinship guardians), plus the Department of Human Resources and the juvenile court, who must conduct searches, provide notice, and make custody decisions.

Key Provisions

• DHR must conduct a diligent search for a caregiver when a child is found dependent, including interviews, records searches, and inquiries about criminal history, finances, employment, and residence.
• If a dependent child has lived with a caregiver for at least 12 months before dependency is determined and removal would harm the child's emotional well-being, the court must grant permanent custody to that caregiver.
• The diligent search and related notices must be completed and documented in writing, and filed with the court within 30 days of the child’s removal, with a continuing duty to search for relatives throughout the case.
• The bill adds detailed kinship guardian and successor guardian provisions, outlining eligibility, required background checks, rights and responsibilities, and processes for revocation, modification, and related support considerations.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Juveniles