BILL NUMBER: S4598

SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the social services law, in relation
to chemical testing for prospective foster care parents

 
PURPOSE:

Relates to chemical testing for prospective foster parents prior to
certification.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

This bill will amend section 378 of the social services law by adding a
new subdivision 6. Subdivision 6 (a) will not allow such license or
certificate to be awarded to a prospective foster parent prior to chemi-
cal testing, including, but not limited to drug and alcohol testing. In
the given case if such chemical testing reveals a positive presence of
drugs or alcohol in such a prospective foster parent the application for
certification or licensure will be denied.  Once the foster parent is
awarded license or certificate subdivision 6
              

(b) states that the department shall issue random chemical testing to
foster parents, including but not limited to, drug and alcohol testing.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Social Services has reported various incidents where foster parents have
been arrested for drug charges by State Police. Background checks are
done prior to the approval of foster parents, but in certain cases there
is no information that leads to the history of substance abuse. In order
to locate suitable foster homes for children to insure their safety,
foster parents should be required to take chemical testing prior to
certification. If the testing is found to be positive the individual
should be denied for application or certification.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2017-18: S5663 - passed the Senate, delivered to the Assembly
2015 - 2016 A2142 referred to children and families
A3925 2013-14 referred to children & families
A2494 2009/2010 referred to children and families

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.