Phoenix, Ariz. – The Arizona legislature unanimously passed House Bill 2486, allowing courts to consider restoring the parent-child relationship when a child who has not found their forever home can safely return to live with their biological parents and when doing so is in their best interests.
Once the parent-child relationship has been terminated due to an unwillingness or inability to parent, a child is legally free to be placed for adoption. However, each year, throughout the country, approximately 18,500 children exit foster care without a family. Furthermore, only about four percent of children who get adopted each year are 16 or older. These youth face an uphill battle against dire outcomes.
Laws restoring the parent-child relationship acknowledge that parents capable and willing to provide a safe home should have the opportunity to ask the court to reunite with their child, preventing the child from exiting state care without a permanent family.
To ensure that a child can safely return to their parents, House Bill 2486 includes numerous safeguards. For example, the restoration of the parent-child relationship is only available when the prior relationship did not involve severe physical or sexual abuse, abuse that resulted in a death or near death, or a dangerous crime. Additionally, parents must show sufficient remediation, demonstrate they've made necessary changes, and ensure their child's overall well-being — socially, mentally, and emotionally. Finally, to ensure a good fit, the bill will provide for an in-home trial placement.
This legislation, sponsored by Representative Selina Bliss, could help the 700 Arizona youth who exited foster care without a family to rebuild relationships and have the lifelong support of family. Governor Hobbs is anticipated to sign the bill into law later this month.