Amends TCA Title 4; Title 15; Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 68 and Title 71.

ON FEBRUARY 26, 2024, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 613, AS AMENDED.<br /> <br /> AMENDMENT #1 rewrites the bill to, instead, revise the present law that provides that, within 30 days of the date of foster care placement, an agency must prepare a plan for each child in its foster care. Such plan must include a goal for each child of the (i) return of the child to parent; (ii) permanent placement of the child with a fit and willing relative or relatives of the child; (iii) adoption, giving first preference to the foster home to adopt the child when applicable; (iv) permanent guardianship; or (v) a planned permanent living arrangement.<br /> <br /> This amendment requires the permanency plan for any child in foster care for six months or longer as a result of abuse or neglect that includes as a permanency goal the return of the child to the parent, to also include a requirement that the parent complete trauma-informed education before the child is returned to the parent. The trauma-informed education may be completed via electronic means. The department of children's services is authorized to work with nonprofit organizations to develop appropriate training materials for the trauma-informed education required by this bill and delivery pathways at no additional cost to the state.<br />