Signed by Governor Brad Little

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes safety-related rights for foster children in Idaho.

Highlights:

• Establishes a list of safety-related rights for children placed in the foster care system, including (Sec. 2):

• The right to live in a safe and healthy environment where it is free of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse;

• The right to timely and appropriate medical assessments and forensic testing if/when sexual abuse is reported; 

• The right to adequate basic essentials including food, shelter, clothing, and personal necessities; and

• The right to reasonable consideration of the child’s safety during transitions between foster care placements, maintaining consistency. 

• Requires the department to provide this information to all children in the foster care system, and have it placed in a spot where it is easily accessible (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes appropriate remedies for the safety of the child(ren) if reports of violations have occurred, and requires these reports to be available and documented (Sec. 2). 

• Prohibits any limitations from being imposed on the ability of a child, the child’s representative, a foster parent, or a party of the juvenile to contact an ombudsman regarding concerns of this act being implemented (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that this Act takes effect July 1, 2026 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes safety-related rights for foster children in Idaho.

Highlights:

• Establishes a list of safety-related rights for children placed in the foster care system, including (Sec. 2):

• The right to live in a safe and healthy environment where it is free of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse;

• The right to timely and appropriate medical assessments and forensic testing if/when sexual abuse is reported; 

• The right to adequate basic essentials including food, shelter, clothing, and personal necessities; and

• The right to reasonable consideration of the child’s safety during transitions between foster care placements, maintaining consistency. 

• Requires the department to provide this information to all children in the foster care system, and have it placed in a spot where it is easily accessible (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes appropriate remedies for the safety of the child(ren) if reports of violations have occurred, and requires these reports to be available and documented (Sec. 2). 

• Prohibits any limitations from being imposed on the ability of a child, the child’s representative, a foster parent, or a party of the juvenile to contact an ombudsman regarding concerns of this act being implemented (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that this Act takes effect July 1, 2026 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text