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HB 1873

Concerning office of public defense social service workers for parents in child welfare cases.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Travis Couture and 9 co-sponsors

HB 1873 - Concerning office of public defense social service workers for parents in child welfare cases OverviewBill Number: HB 1873 Title: Concerning office of public defense soc

Public hearing in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services at 1:30 PM.
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Bill Summary · HB 1873

HB 1873 - Concerning office of public defense social service workers for parents in child welfare cases

Overview

Bill Number: HB 1873
Title: Concerning office of public defense social service workers for parents in child welfare cases
Status: Public hearing in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services at 1:30 PM
Introduced: January 15, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of HB 1873 is to improve legal representation and access to social services for parents involved in child welfare cases. The bill aims to address disparities in outcomes for low-income families by providing dedicated social service workers to support parents navigating the child welfare system.

Key Provisions

  • Requires the Office of Public Defense to employ social service workers to assist parents in child welfare cases
  • Mandates that social service workers be assigned to provide the following support to parents:
    • Connecting parents with community-based services and resources
    • Advocating for parents' needs and interests in court proceedings
    • Coordinating with child welfare caseworkers to ensure parents' voices are heard
    • Providing guidance on navigating the child welfare system and legal process
  • Establishes training requirements for social service workers to ensure they have expertise in areas like child development, trauma-informed care, and family reunification

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Low-income parents involved in child welfare cases, who will have access to dedicated social service support to help preserve family unity
  • Child welfare caseworkers, who will be required to coordinate with the new social service workers
  • The Office of Public Defense, which will be responsible for hiring and overseeing the new social service worker positions
  • Children in the child welfare system, who may benefit from improved family reunification outcomes

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HB 1873 is currently in the public hearing stage in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services. If passed by the committee, the bill will move to a full House vote. If approved by the House, it will then proceed to the Senate for consideration. The bill has a proposed effective date of July 1, 2026, allowing time for the Office of Public Defense to implement the new social service worker program.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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