Revision: March 28, 2013, midnight
HB 260-FN – AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE
6Mar2013… 0447h
27Mar2013… 0968h
2013 SESSION
05/09
HOUSE BILL 260-FN
AN ACT relative to the children in need of services (CHINS) program.
SPONSORS: Rep. Lovejoy, Rock 36; Rep. Copeland, Rock 19
COMMITTEE: Children and Family Law
This bill:
I. Expands the definition of a child in need of services under RSA 169-D and revises the circumstances under which the court may order various services or placements. The bill also directs the department of health and human services to collect certain data regarding the CHINS program and provides for the suspension of voluntary services if appropriated funds will be insufficient to support voluntary services for the remainder of the biennium.
II. Requires school board truancy policies to include certain information relative to student attendance.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
6Mar2013… 0447h
27Mar2013… 0968h
13-0728
05/09
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Thirteen
AN ACT relative to the children in need of services (CHINS) program.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Children in Need of Services; Applicability of Chapter. RSA 169-D:1, IV and V are repealed and reenacted to read as follows:
IV. To protect the integrity of the family by authorizing adjudication and the imposition of dispositional judgment requiring participation in a plan of services only after appropriate voluntary alternatives have been unsuccessful; and
V. When appropriate voluntary service options have been unsuccessful, to provide effective judicial procedures through which family service plans are executed and enforced, and which assure the parties fair hearings at which their constitutional and other rights as citizens are recognized and protected.
2 Definition of Child in Need of Services. RSA 169-D:2, II is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:
II. “Child in need of services” means a child under the age of 18:
(a) Who is subject to compulsory school attendance, and who is habitually, willfully, and without good and sufficient cause truant from school;
(b) Who habitually runs away from home, or who repeatedly disregards the reasonable and lawful commands of his or her parents, guardian, or custodian and places himself or herself or others in unsafe circumstances;
(c) Who has exhibited willful repeated or habitual conduct constituting offenses which would be violations under the criminal code of this state if committed by an adult or, if committed by a person 16 years of age or older, would be violations under the motor vehicle code of this state; or
(d) With a diagnosis of severe emotional, cognitive, or other mental health issues who engages in aggressive, fire setting, or sexualized behaviors that pose a danger to the child or others and who is otherwise unable or ineligible to receive services under RSA 169-B or RSA 169-C; and
(e) Is expressly found to be in need of care, guidance, counseling, discipline, supervision, treatment, or rehabilitation.
3 New Paragraph; Children in Need of Services; Definition of Truant Added. Amend RSA 169 D:2 by inserting after paragraph XIII the following new paragraph:
XIV. “Truant” means a child between the ages of 6 and 18 years who is either not attending school as required by law or who is not participating in an alternative learning plan under RSA 193:1. “Truancy” shall have the same meaning as in RSA 189:35-a.
4 Children in Need of Services; Petition. Amend RSA 169-D:5, I to read as follows:
I.(a) A petition alleging that a child is in need of services under RSA 169-D:2, II(a) may be filed by a truant officer or school official from the school district where the child is attending school with a judge or clerk of the court in the judicial district where the child is found or resides. In accordance with RSA 189:36, II, a truant officer or school official shall not file a petition alleging that a child is in need of services under RSA 169-D:2, II(a) until all steps in the school district’s intervention process under RSA 189:34, II have been followed.
(b) A petition alleging that a child is in need of services under RSA 169-D:2, II(b) or RSA 169-D:2, II(c) may be filed by a parent, legal guardian or custodian, school official, or law enforcement officer with a judge or clerk of the court in the judicial district in which the child is found or resides.
(c) A petition alleging that a child is in need of services under RSA 169-D:2, II(d) may, with the consent of the department, be filed by a parent, legal guardian or custodian, school official, or law enforcement officer with a judge or clerk of the court in the judicial district in which the child is found or resides.
I-a. The petition shall be in writing and verified under oath. The following notice shall be printed on the front of the petition in bold in no smaller than 14 point font size: “See back for important information and financial obligations.” The back of the petition shall include a notice of liability for parents and other individuals chargeable by law for the child’s support and necessities.
5 New Paragraph; Petition. Amend RSA 169-D:5 by inserting after paragraph II the following new paragraph:
II-a. Any petition filed shall include language demonstrating that appropriate voluntary services have been attempted, the nature of voluntary services attempted, and the reason court compulsion is necessary. If, upon review of the petition, the court is not satisfied that the petition includes sufficient information to find that appropriate voluntary services were attempted and unsuccessful, the court shall, prior to scheduling the child’s initial appearance, refer the petition to the department, which shall proceed pursuant to RSA 169-D:9.
6 New Section; Voluntary Services. Amend RSA 169-D by inserting after section 5-b the following new section:
169-D:5-c Voluntary Services. The department may offer the child and family, on a voluntary basis, any services permitted under RSA 169-D:17. The department may decline to offer services to a child or family if it concludes that the child does not meet the definition of child in need of services in RSA 169-D:2, II. Notwithstanding RSA 541-A, denials of voluntary services shall not be subject to appeal, however the department’s decision to decline services shall not preclude any person from bringing a petition pursuant to RSA 169-D:5, I. If the department declines services in a case referred to it by the court, the department shall notify the court that it has declined voluntary services and the bases therefor. Voluntary services shall not include the out-of-home placement of the child. Voluntary services provided pursuant to this section shall be time limited, not to exceed 9 months.
7 Issuance of Summons and Notice. RSA 169-D:6, I is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:
I.(a) After a legally sufficient petition has been filed, unless the case is referred to the department pursuant to RSA 169-D:5 or a consent order is entered and approved, the court shall schedule an initial appearance and issue a summons, including a copy of the petition, to be served personally upon the person having custody or control of the child or with whom the child may be, requiring that person to appear with the child on the specified date and time. Refusal of the child to participate in the development of a voluntary service plan may constitute sufficient information that voluntary service and support options have been unsuccessful.
(b) If personal service is not possible, service shall occur at the usual place of abode of the person having custody or control of the child or with whom the child may be, requiring that person to appear with the child at a specified place and time which time shall not be less than 24 hours after service. If the person so notified is not the parent or guardian of the child, then a parent or guardian shall be notified, provided they and their residence are known.
8 Diversion and Pre-adjudicatory Procedure. RSA 169-D:9 is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:
169-D:9 Pre-adjudicatory Procedure.
I. Except in emergencies, the department, its agent, or any person or agency it designates shall determine what voluntary service options are available to the child and family. A referral for this determination may be made by any person permitted to bring a petition under RSA 169-D:5, I. To achieve this purpose, the department may designate a multi-disciplinary team to consider the facts and circumstances of the case, the needs of the child and family, and available diversion programs, services, and resources. This conference shall be attended by the child, if appropriate, his or her parents, legal guardians or custodians, and representatives of any public institution or agency having legal responsibility over the child, and may be attended by parties invited by the family and representatives of any public or private institutions or agencies having discretionary ability to coordinate and/or supply services to the child or family. If the child does not attend a multi-disciplinary conference, an appropriate individual shall be designated to solicit the child’s input and help the child understand available service options and supports.
II. If available, a multi-disciplinary conference may be held at any time before or after a petition is filed but shall be held before the child’s initial appearance pursuant to RSA 169-D:11.
III. At any time before or after a petition is filed, the child, his or her caretakers, and the department may effect an individualized voluntary family services plan, which shall include:
(a) Identification of the circumstances which contributed to the need for services.
(b) A description of the services that are needed for the child, the child’s caretakers, or other family members, the availability of such services within the community, and a plan for ensuring that any such services that are available will be secured and provided.
(c) The name of the person within the each affected public service agency who is directly responsible for assuring that specific services indentified in the plan are provided.
(d) An estimate of the time anticipated to be necessary to accomplish the goals set out in the plan.
(e) Any other provisions deemed appropriate by the parties.
(f) Designation of a responsible person or agency for oversight of the plan.
IV. A voluntary family services plan shall set forth in writing the terms and conditions agreed to by the child, the child’s caretaker, and all parties responsible for implementation of the voluntary services plan. A written copy of the plan shall be submitted to each party or person responsible for implementation of the plan.
V. A voluntary services plan may be amended by agreement of the parties at any time. If a petition has been filed, the amended plan shall be submitted to the court.
VI. If a petition has been filed, the voluntary family services plan shall be submitted to the court. A voluntary services plan shall stay the proceedings for a period not to exceed 90 days from the date of implementation, unless the parties agree, in writing, to an extension for additional periods not to exceed 90 days. If the parties determine services are necessary for longer than 180 days, the department shall submit a report to the court which outlines the progress that has been achieved during the duration of services and explains why continued services are necessary. Such reports shall be filed every 180 days until voluntary services are discontinued. If, upon reviewing the report, the court questions the need for continued services, it shall schedule a show cause hearing, at which the child, if appropriate, the child’s parent or caretaker, and the department shall appear.
VII. When the petitioning person or agency, the court, the department, or a member of the multi-disciplinary team suspects that a child has a disability, an administrator at the responsible school district shall be notified. If appropriate, the school district shall refer the child for evaluation to determine if the child is in need of special education and related services.
VIII. A voluntary family services plan shall not be considered in an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to RSA 169-B or 169-D, or a criminal trial. Evidence of the existence of such agreement shall not be used against the child over objection in any juvenile adjudicatory hearing or criminal trial.
IX. Any incriminating statement made by the child during discussions or conferences incident to the voluntary family services plan shall not be used against the child, over objection, in adjudicatory hearing pursuant to RSA 169-B or 169-D, or a criminal trial. Any such statement may be reported as the basis for a referral to the department pursuant to RSA 169-C, if there is reasonable basis to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare is endangered by abuse or neglect.
X. A voluntary family services plan suspends the proceedings on the petition. If the child satisfies the terms of the voluntary family services plan, he or she shall be discharged from further services or supervision, and the pending complaint or petition shall be dismissed with prejudice.
9 Children in Need of Services; Release Prior to Initial Appearance. Amend RSA 169-D:10, II and III to read as follows:
II. Pending the initial appearance, the court shall release the child to one of the following, which in the court’s opinion is the least restrictive and most appropriate:
(a) A parent or guardian;
(b) A relative or suitable adult;
(c) Where there are reasonable grounds to believe that the child is a runaway under RSA 169-D:2, II(b) or that the child is a child in need of services under RSA 169-D:2, II(d), the custody of department of health and human services for placement in a foster home, as defined in RSA 169-C:3, XIII, a group home, a crisis home, or a shelter care facility with expenses chargeable as provided in RSA 169-D:29; or
(d) [Repealed.]
(e) An alcohol crisis center certified to accept juveniles.
III. Where there are reasonable grounds to believe that the child is a runaway under RSA 169-D:2, II(b) or that the child is a child in need of services under RSA 169-D:2, II(d) and [Should] there [be] is no shelter care/detention bed available, nor an appropriate parent, guardian, or custodian as defined in paragraph II of this section available, the court or the officer taking the child into temporary custody shall notify the department. If the child cannot be referred to an alternative to secure detention, the court shall make an order authorizing the department to place the child. The department shall then promptly arrange for placement of the child.
10 Initial Appearance. Amend RSA 169-D:11, II(c) and (d) to read as follows:
(c) Establish any conditions for release; [and]
(d) Set a hearing date[.]; and
(e) Inquire of the child and a parent or guardian of the child if the child has been:
(1) Determined to have an intellectual disability; or
(2) Determined to have a mental illness, emotional or behavioral disorder, or another disorder that may impede the child’s decision-making abilities; or
11 Children in Need of Services; Release Pending Adjudicatory Hearing. Amend RSA 169-D:13, I to read as follows:
I. Following the initial appearance, a child alleged to be in need of services may be ordered by the court subject to such conditions as the court may order, to be:
(a) Retained in the custody of a parent, guardian, or custodian; or
(b) Released in the supervision and care of a relative; or
(c) Where the petition alleges that the child is a habitual runaway under RSA 169-D:2, II(b) or that the child is a child in need of services under RSA 169-D:2, II(d), released to the custody of the department of health and human services for placement in a foster home, as defined in RSA 169-C:3, XIII, a group home, a crisis home, or a shelter care facility with expenses chargeable as provided in RSA 169-D:29.
(d) [Repealed.]
I-a. Where the petition alleges that the child is a habitual truant under RSA 169-D:2, II(a), that the child repeatedly disregards the reasonable and lawful commands of his or her parents, guardian, or custodian under RSA 169-D:2, II(b), or that the child repeatedly or habitually engages in conduct that constitutes violation level offenses under RSA 169-D:2, II(c), the court shall not order the out-of-home placement of the child.
12 Children in Need of Services; Dispositional Hearing. Amend RSA 169-D:17, I to read as follows:
I. If the court finds the child is in need of services, it shall order the least restrictive and most appropriate disposition considering the facts in the case, the investigation report, and the dispositional recommendations of the parties and counsel. The dispositional recommendation of the department of health and human services shall include the costs of the recommended services, placements, and programs. Such disposition may include:
(a) Permitting the child to remain with a parent, guardian, relative, or custodian, subject to such limitations and conditions as the court may prescribe, including:
(1) Ordering the child or parent, guardian, relative, or custodian, or both, to accept individual or family counseling;
(2) Placing the child on conditional release for a term of 2 years or less.
(b)(1) Releasing the child in the supervision and care of a relative or suitable adult; or
(2)(A) Where the petition alleges that the child is a habitual runaway under RSA 169-D:2, II(b) or that the child is a child in need of services under RSA 169-D:2, II(d), releasing the child to the custody of the department of health and human services for placement in a foster home, as defined in RSA 169-C:3, XIII, a group home, a crisis home, or a shelter care facility with expenses charged in accordance with RSA 169-D:29.
(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), where the petition alleges that the child is a habitual truant under RSA 169-D:2, II(a), that the child repeatedly disregards the reasonable and lawful commands of his or her parents, guardian, or custodian under RSA 169-D:2, II(b), or that the child repeatedly or habitually engages in conduct that constitutes violation level offenses under RSA 169-D:2, II(c), the court shall not order the out-of-home placement of the child.
(c) Imposing a fine or restitution, or both, on a child who has committed an offense which, if committed by an adult, would be a violation under the criminal code of this state; or has committed an offense which, if committed by a person 16 years of age or older, would be a violation under the motor vehicle code of this state; or has violated an ordinance or bylaw of a city or town. Such fine shall not exceed the fine which may be imposed against an adult for the same offense.
(d) Ordering the minor to perform up to 50 hours of uncompensated public service subject to the approval of the elected or appointed official authorized to give approval of the city or town in which the offense occurred. The court’s order for uncompensated public service shall include the name of the official who will provide supervision to the minor. However, no person who performs such public service under this subparagraph shall receive any benefits that such employer gives to its other employees, including, but not limited to, workers’ compensation and unemployment benefits and no such employer shall be liable for any damages sustained by a person while performing such public service or any damages caused by that person unless the employer is guilty of gross negligence.
(e) Requiring any child to attend structured after-school or evening programs which address some of the child’s compliance issues, as well as supervise the child during the time of the day in which the child most values his or her freedom and the time which is most often used to perform unruly acts. The cost of said programs shall be paid by private insurance, if available, or otherwise by the child, parent, guardian, or person having custody of the child, or may be available to the child free of charge based on the limited means of the family or based on the program’s receipt of other funding. Payment shall be made pursuant to RSA 169-D:29 only for those programs that have been certified pursuant to RSA 170-G:4, XVIII.
13 New Section; Data Collection. Amend RSA 169-D by inserting after section 30 the following new section:
169-D:31 Data Collection.
I. The department shall establish a system to collect data related to:
(a) The person or entity who referred the child for services and/or filed the petition.
(b) The racial and ethnic identity of the child.
(c) The insurance status and coverage of child served.
(d) The length of time a child receives services under this chapter, including the time prior and subsequent to the filing of a petition.
(e) The identity of any public or private organization to whom the department has referred a child or family.
(f) Any other information, including outcome data, that may assist the department and the court in evaluating the availability and effectiveness of services for children who receive assistance under this chapter.
(g) The number of cases in which the department received a referral of a child for services but declined to provide services pursuant to RSA 169-D:5-c, along with the basis for those decisions.
II. The department shall, upon request, make available to members of the public, compilations of the data which do not contain identifying information.
14 School Board Truancy Policy. Amend RSA 189:34, II(b) to read as follows:
(b) A process for intervention designed to address individual cases of truancy as quickly as possible and to reduce the number of habitual truants in the school district. The process shall consider and document the effect, if any, on the child’s attendance of the following: inconsistent and ineffective school attendance policies; poor record keeping; notification provided to parents or guardians of the child’s absences; unsafe school environment; poor school climate; poor relations with teachers; and the adequacy of the identification of the child’s special education needs. The board shall provide for the participation of parents in the development of the policy. The policy shall include early parental involvement in the intervention process. The policy shall also designate an employee in each school as the person responsible for truancy issues.
15 Children in Need of Services; Suspension of Voluntary Services. The fiscal committee of the general court may authorize the suspension of voluntary services under RSA 169-D upon certification by the commissioner of the department of health and human services that appropriated funds will be insufficient to support voluntary services for the remainder of the biennium ending June 30, 2015.
16 Effective Date. This act shall take effect September 1, 2013.
LBAO
13-0728
Amended 03/18/13
HB 260 FISCAL NOTE
AN ACT relative to voluntary services provided to children in need under RSA 169-D.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Office of Legislative Budget Assistant is unable to complete a fiscal note for this bill, as amended by the House (Amendment #2013-0447h), as it is awaiting information from the Department of Health and Human Services. When completed, the fiscal note will be forwarded to the House Clerk's Office.