Revision: April 18, 2025, 11:06 a.m.
Rep. M. Pearson, Rock. 34
April 8, 2025
2025-1539h
11/09
Amendment to SB 161
Amend the bill by replacing sections 1 and 2 with the following:
1 Child Protection Act; Presumption in Favor of In-State Placements; License; Controlling State. Amend RSA 169-C:19-b to read as follows:
169-C:19-b Presumption in Favor of In-State Placements. There shall be a presumption that an in-state placement is the least restrictive and most appropriate placement. The court may order an out-of-state placement only upon an express written finding that no options for in-state placement exist and the out-of-state placement offers specialized programming or services that are unable to be provided within New Hampshire, and the placement is [contracted with the state] licensed in accordance with the laws of the state in which they operate and certified by the department. Preference shall be given to out-of-state placements that are in proximity to the child's family and/or kin, who are able to participate in family and/or reunification services. Any out-of-state placements shall be limited in time and require [both] increased judicial oversight, and the written approval of the director of the division for children, youth and families, or designee, for placements outside of New England.
2 Order of Preference; Controlling Law. Amend RSA 169-F:5 to read as follows:
169-F:5 Presumption in Favor of In-State Placements. There shall be a presumption that an in-state placement is the least restrictive and most appropriate placement. The court may order an out-of-state placement only upon an express written finding that no in-state options exist and that the out-of-state placement offers specialized programming or services that are unable to be provided within New Hampshire, and the placement is [contracted with the state] licensed in accordance with the laws of the state in which they operate, and certified by the department. Preference shall be given to out-of-state placements that are in proximity to the child's family and/or kin, who are able to participate in family and/or reunification services. Any out-of-state placements shall be limited in time, and require [both] increased judicial oversight, and the written approval of the director of the division for children, youth and families, or designee, for placements outside of New England.