CYFD PLANS OF SAFE CARE FOR CERTAIN CHILDREN

The program was moved from the Children, Youth and Families Department to the Department of Health.

New definitions were added including 'CARA navigator' (a professional who coordinates care), 'plan of safe care' (a written safety plan for substance-exposed newborns), and 'active efforts' (a higher standard of conduct than reasonable efforts).

The definition of 'substance-exposed newborn' was expanded to include any infant under one year of age affected by prenatal exposure to controlled substances, drugs, or alcohol.

Hospitals and birthing facilities must create a written plan of safe care before discharging a substance-exposed newborn and send it to the primary care physician, Department of Health, and the family.

New roles were created for 'CARA navigators' to conduct home visits and 'care coordinators' to monitor implementation of care plans after discharge.

New requirements mandate training for health care providers and social workers on assessing when to report abuse versus creating a plan of safe care, and on avoiding stigma and bias.

The bill sets a deadline of January 1, 2026, for the Department of Health to develop rules for monitoring compliance and evaluating outcomes of plans of safe care.

The bill provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals and agencies implementing plans of safe care, provided actions are not grossly negligent or involve willful misconduct.