HB 4966

Abstract

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Defines "quality of care concerns". Allows an applicant for a foster family home license with quality of care concerns who has previously been licensed to operate a child care facility or has provided relative foster care to a child placed by the Department to submit a preliminary application to the Department of Children and Family Services. Allows the Department to issue a foster family home license to an applicant with quality of care concerns if the applicant meets certain requirements and the Department is satisfied that the foster family home does not pose a risk to children and that the foster family home will be able to meet the physical and emotional needs of children. Provides that, if the Department approves a preliminary application, the foster family shall submit a standard application to the Department. Creates provisions for renewing the license for a foster family home with quality of care concerns. Requires a foster home to wait 5 years before applying for another license if it is revoked, is surrendered for cause, expires or is surrendered with certain holds in place or investigations pending, or the Department refuses to renew the license. Makes other changes.