N.H. Rev. Stat. § 186-C:14-a

Current through the 2024 Legislative Session

Section 186-C:14-a - Foster Parent Representation of Foster Children With Disabilities

I. A foster parent or parents may be appointed by the commissioner of the department of education that he or she has the knowledge and skills to represent the child adequately in services or designee, or by the director of a child placing agency licensed under RSA 170-E that has placed the child with the foster parent or parents, to make educational decisions on behalf of a foster child for the duration of the foster placement, provided that:

(a) The birth parents' parental rights have been terminated by a court of law or by death; and

(b) Each such foster parent:

(1) Is in an ongoing, long-term parental relationship with the child, as determined by the commissioner of the department of education or the child placing agency;

(2) Is willing to make the educational decisions required of parents under state and federal law;

(3) Has no interest that would conflict with the interests of the child; and

(4) Has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the commissioner of the department of education that he or she has the knowledge and skills to represent the child adequately in educational decision-making.

II. A foster parent appointment pursuant to this section shall supersede the appointment of a surrogate parent under RSA 186-C:14.

III. A foster parent acting as a parent shall have the same right of access as the birth parents or guardians to all records concerning the child. These records shall include, but are not limited to, educational, medical, psychological, and health and human service records.

IV. No foster parent appointed to act in the capacity of a parent under this section shall be liable to the child entrusted to the foster parent or the parents or guardian of such child for any civil damages which result from acts or omissions of such foster parent which may arise out of ordinary negligence. This immunity shall not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross, willful, or wanton negligence.

V. The state board of education shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, necessary for the implementation of this section.

RSA 186-C:14-a

2002, 205 : 2 . 2004, 99 : 3 . 2008, 302 : 14 -16, eff. Jan. 1, 2009.