Idaho Lawmakers Advance Bills Strengthening Foster Child Protections

Idaho legislators are moving forward with a series of child welfare measures designed to enhance safety for children in foster care, CBS News affiliate Idaho News reported. The Idaho Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee advanced SB1257, known as Isaiah’s Law, to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation after testimony from foster parents and advocates. Sponsored by Sen. Melissa Wintrow, the bill would provide judges with clearer guidance to suspend or restrict visitation with biological parents in cases involving substantiated physical or sexual abuse.

In the House, the Health and Welfare Committee voted to print the Foster Child Safety Act following introduction by Rep. Josh Wheeler. Supporters, including foster parent Monique Peyre and advocate Kevin Watson, describe the proposal as a foster children’s bill of rights, aimed at codifying best practices related to health, safety, and essential needs. Rep. Wheeler said the measure would both formalize procedures already used by the Department of Health and Welfare and set firm expectations for courts overseeing placement and reunification decisions.

Lawmakers also discussed a forthcoming proposal referred to as Benji’s Law, which has not yet been introduced. Advocates say the bill would focus on newborn protection by creating an expedited review process for infants born to parents with documented histories of severe neglect, abuse, or prior terminations of parental rights. The proposal follows the death of a newborn in Canyon County, a case that prompted renewed scrutiny of existing safeguards.

State oversight officials noted that the Department of Health and Welfare acted within current regulations, while recommending that legislators consider updates to strengthen preventive protections. The department said it is prepared to collaborate with lawmakers on reforms intended to improve outcomes for vulnerable children.