Key provisions include:

• State must complete homestudy within 60 days when requested by another state (additional 15 days exception may be allowed).
• $1,500 per case incentive payment to the state if homestudy completed within 30 days.
• Court must ensure that foster parents, pre-adoptive parents, and relative caregivers are notified of any foster child proceeding.
• Copy of the child’s health and education record must be given to the foster parent at the time of placement.
• The same record must be provided at no cost to the child at the time s/he leaves foster care system.
• Provides that foster caregivers have the “right” to be heard in “any proceeding,” instead of the current requirement for an “opportunity” to be heard in any review or hearing.

Attached is the federal Information Memorandum as well as the law (Public Law 109-239).

Downloads:
Information Memo-Safe and Timely Interstate Placement
Public Law 109-239–Safe and Timely Interstate Placement
The memo is also available at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/laws_policies/policy/im/im0603.htm.