Government operations
Dependent children: information related to family
SB 534 requires county welfare departments to offer foster youth their last known parents’ and siblings’ locations and contact details before they leave dependency care.
The law expands the family-history information youth receive as they approach adulthood or exit foster care, while preserving their choice not to receive it.
What the law does
- Requires county welfare departments to include parents’ and siblings’ last known whereabouts and contact information in required family and placement histories for dependent youth nearing age 18 and nonminor dependents.
- Requires the information, when known, to include phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, and social media accounts.
- Lets the minor or nonminor decline the family-contact information.
- Conditions county implementation on annual state funding to the extent the law increases realignment-program costs.
Who it affects
- Dependent minors at their final court review before turning 18.
- Nonminor dependents receiving ongoing court reviews or preparing to leave dependency jurisdiction.
- County welfare departments preparing required court reports and transition materials.