Iowa HF1003 amends child placement laws to require due diligence in identifying relatives and restricts court placement decisions.

Iowa HF1003 modifies child placement procedures by mandating the Department of Health and Human Services to diligently identify and notify specific relatives of a child removed from parental custody. The bill also requires the department to employ dedicated staff for this purpose. Additionally, it restricts courts from placing a child with a different individual unless the court specifically finds that such placement is in the child's best interests and provides reasons for the finding.

Iowa HF1003 amends child placement laws to require due diligence in identifying relatives and restricts court placement decisions.

Iowa HF1003 modifies child placement procedures by mandating the Department of Health and Human Services to diligently identify and notify specific relatives of a child removed from parental custody. The bill also requires the department to employ dedicated staff for this purpose. Additionally, it restricts courts from placing a child with a different individual unless the court specifically finds that such placement is in the child's best interests and provides reasons for the finding.