Requires Notice and Review of Foster Placements
Samier Amer Foster Care Improvement Act of 2026
Would require states to notify parents and relatives within 90 days of a foster placement decision and allow quick court review. The rules would start after states update their plans.
Supporters say
Child welfare and family advocates would likely say faster notice and court review keep children with safe relatives. They could help parents and relatives challenge placements sooner.
Critics say
Some state agencies would likely say the 5-day and 7-day deadlines are hard to meet. They may also worry that extra reviews slow placement decisions for children in danger.
Why it matters
Parents and relatives who want to care for a removed child would get notice and a faster chance to challenge where the child is placed. States would have to set up these steps in their foster care plans.
What it does
- Requires states to notify parents, relatives, and others within 90 days of a foster placement decision
- Lets people ask in writing within 5 days for the reasons behind a placement decision
- Lets a child's attorney ask a court to review a placement decision
- Requires a court to start a review within 7 days of a petition
Status
Latest action (2026-10-22): Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.