#AlaskaFosterCare
The Senate Finance Committee has made significant changes to House Bill 36, affecting psychiatric treatment for foster children and delaying key provisions until 2028.

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#AK #CitizenPortal #LegislativeUpdates #MentalHealthReform #AlaskaFosterCare #ChildWelfare
Senate Finance Committee adopts substitute for bill on psychiatric treatment for foster children
The Senate Finance Committee on May 12 adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 36 that removes consent language for minors 16 and older, eliminates a numerical regulatory limit in section 15, and postpones effective dates to July 1, 2028; staff said the sponsor will pursue the consent issue separately.
citizenportal.ai
May 15, 2026 at 9:19 PM
A groundbreaking bill in Alaska aims to ensure that adopted siblings remain legally recognized, sparking vital discussions about the emotional ties that can be preserved—or lost—in the foster care system.

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#AK #CitizenPortal #FamilyReunification #AlaskaFosterCare
Committee weighs bill to keep sibling ties after adoption as advocates press for clarity
Witnesses, including foster-care advocates and a former guardian ad litem, urged support for HB 157 to ensure siblings remain legally recognized after adoption; agencies and the courts warned broad language could create placement-preference conflicts or extra hearings, and the committee set an amendment deadline for May 14, 2026.
citizenportal.ai
May 11, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Rep. Gray's new bill aims to revolutionize the foster care system in Alaska by ensuring that vulnerable youth receive timely judicial reviews, potentially reducing unnecessary trauma and costs.

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#AK #CitizenPortal #LegalProtection #MentalHealthReform #AlaskaFosterCare
Sponsor urges 7-day judicial review for foster children in psychiatric facilities as advocates press for safeguards
Rep. Gray introduced HB 36 to require judicial review within seven calendar days for foster children placed in short-term psychiatric hospitals, require counsel for the child, report on out-of-state placements and create a treatment-foster license; advocates supported the change while some witnesses warned the added 'treatment foster' provision needs statutory guardrails.
citizenportal.ai
May 11, 2026 at 5:29 PM
A new bill aims to safeguard the vital sibling bonds of children adopted from foster care, ensuring their relationships endure beyond legal decrees.

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#AK #AdoptionReform #SiblingBonds #CitizenPortal #AlaskaFosterCare #ChildWellbeing
Sponsor Says HB 157 Would Preserve Sibling Ties for Children Adopted from Foster Care
Rep. Andrew Gray introduced HB 157 to prevent adoption decrees from terminating legal sibling relationships and to require courts to document best-interest findings about post-adoption visitation; invited testimony will return due to unanswered implementation and confidentiality questions.
citizenportal.ai
April 17, 2026 at 4:29 PM
In a bold move to improve foster care in Alaska, the Legislature has temporarily suspended rules to fast-track House Bill No. 36!

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#AK #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #AlaskaFosterCare #LegislativeReform #ChildWelfare
Senator Claman introduces resolution suspending rules for foster care legislation in Alaska
Alaska Legislature temporarily suspends rules to advance House Bill No. 36 on foster care.
citizenportal.ai
May 18, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Alaska's foster care system is facing a critical shortage with licensed homes plummeting to 920, but new initiatives and a significant funding boost could turn the tide.

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#AK #FamilySupport #RegulatoryReform #AlaskaFosterCare #CitizenPortal #ChildWelfare
State agency boosts foster home recruitment efforts amid 348 new applicants
Foster care recruitment initiatives aim to address declining home numbers and support families.
citizenportal.ai
February 1, 2025 at 12:44 PM