An Act minimizing trauma to children and families

This bill requires the state child welfare department to report quarterly on how often it takes children into emergency custody without first getting a court order, including the time it takes to seek approval. It also allows judges to grant emergency custody orders by telephone when courts are closed, ensuring that children can be removed quickly when there is an immediate threat of serious harm. Additionally, the law mandates that if a child is taken into temporary custody under these emergency conditions, the department must obtain judicial approval within four hours and provide a sworn affidavit explaining the reasons for the action. These changes aim to increase transparency and ensure that emergency removals are both necessary and promptly reviewed by the court.