Iowa HF2256 modifies the definition of child abuse to exclude a parent's inability to access mental or behavioral health treatment for their child.

Iowa HF2256 amends the definition of child abuse to exclude a parent's or legal guardian's inability to access appropriate behavioral or mental health treatment for their child. This bill allows a court to adjudicate a child in need of assistance when the child requires treatment for a serious chemical dependency, mental health disorder, or behavioral disorder that compromises safety or causes aggressive behavior, and the parent is unwilling or unable to provide such treatment. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Iowa HF2256 modifies the definition of child abuse to exclude a parent's inability to access mental or behavioral health treatment for their child.

Iowa HF2256 amends the definition of child abuse to exclude a parent's or legal guardian's inability to access appropriate behavioral or mental health treatment for their child. This bill allows a court to adjudicate a child in need of assistance when the child requires treatment for a serious chemical dependency, mental health disorder, or behavioral disorder that compromises safety or causes aggressive behavior, and the parent is unwilling or unable to provide such treatment. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026.