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RSA 170-G:21 · Foster Care Children's Bill of Rights

Title
XII: PUBLIC SAFETY AND WELFARE
Chapter
170-G · SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES
Status
current
Official source linked
Yes
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170-G:21 Foster Care Children's Bill of Rights. – A child who is placed in a foster home or other out-of-home placement pursuant to a juvenile court proceeding under RSA 169-B, RSA 169-C, or RSA 169-D shall have the right or privilege:

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I.

To be supported in a healthy growth and developmental process from early childhood to adulthood and to be protected from all forms of abuse.

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II.

To receive appropriate and team recommended treatments, including counseling, medical care, and dental treatment, within a reasonable period. II-a. To receive appropriate medical supervision of any prescribed psychotropic medications.

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III.

To receive support from department staff, and his or her foster family or residential provider in maintaining positive contact with significant people, such as relatives, friends, teachers, and community supports, including assistance with obtaining contact information, transportation, and reasonable visitation opportunities.

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IV.

To develop a group of supportive adults, which may, when appropriate, include department staff, foster parents, residential staff, therapists, and other individuals with responsibility for case planning.

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V.

To be treated with courtesy and respect by department staff, foster parents, residential staff, and providers without regard to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or disability and to participate in activities associated with his or her religious beliefs.

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VI.

To participate in "normal" activities consistent with his or her age and developmental level, such as opening a bank account, celebrating birthdays, participating in graduations, and obtaining an identity card, unless restricted by the child's treatment plan, case plan, or the availability of financial resources.

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VII.

To receive notice of any meetings regarding the child's case and to have opportunities to resolve potential barriers to participation, such as a lack of transportation or conflict with the child's academic schedule.

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VIII.

To receive timely information about decisions that affect the child's life and to be notified of changes that affect his or her case plan, treatment plan, permanency, safety, stability, or wellbeing, and to have his or her voice considered in these decisions.

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IX.

To be informed of all assistance that the department offers foster children related to permanency planning, education, employment, housing, and wellbeing.

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X.

To receive assistance in acquiring life skills, education, training, and career guidance to accomplish personal goals, prepare for the future, and to become a self-sufficient adult after the child's transition from care.

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XI.

To have an achievable transition plan when the child leaves care that is created by the foster child with the help of his or her support group.

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XII.

To attend and participate in court hearings to the extent permitted by the court and appropriate given the age and experience of the child.

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XIII.

To utilize technology, such as social networking sites and cell phones, based on the child's level of maturity and responsibility and taking into account the environment in which the child is living, the support of his or her treatment team, the financial costs involved, and the child's ability to maintain privileges.

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XIV.

To be informed of the process for contacting the child protective services worker's supervisor, or other department staff, the guardian ad litem, and the office of the child advocate. XIV-a. To be informed of the right to request an attorney under RSA 169-C:10, II(a) and of the guaranteed right to an attorney under RSA 169-C:10, II(b). The department shall provide the child with a written statement of these rights and the process by which to request an attorney.

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XV.

To be informed by the department of the rights set forth in this section and to receive assistance in obtaining and enforcing them. Source. 2018, 220:2, eff. June 8, 2018. 2021, 182:11, eff. Jan. 1, 2022. 2024, 296:4, eff. July 1, 2025.

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Source note

Source. 2018, 220:2, eff. June 8, 2018. 2021, 182:11, eff. Jan. 1, 2022. 2024, 296:4, eff. July 1, 2025.

Source history

  • 2018, 220:2, eff. June 8, 2018
  • 2021, 182:11, eff. Jan. 1, 2022
  • 2024, 296:4, eff. July 1, 2025

Related materials

Bill relationships

  • 2026 HB1564 amend · effective 2027-01-01

    identity,] sexual orientation, age, disability, political affiliation or beliefs, religion, or national origin. 12 Foster Care Children's Bill of Rights; Gender Identity. Amend RSA 170-G:21, V to read as follows: V. To be treated with courtesy and respect by department staff, foster parents, residential staff, and providers without regard to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, [gender identity,] religi

  • 2026 HB1564-FN amend · effective 2027-01-01

    identity,] sexual orientation, age, disability, political affiliation or beliefs, religion, or national origin. 12 Foster Care Children's Bill of Rights; Gender Identity. Amend RSA 170-G:21, V to read as follows: V. To be treated with courtesy and respect by department staff, foster parents, residential staff, and providers without regard to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, [gender identity,] religi

  • 2026 HB1779 amend · effective 2027-01-01

    oneys deposited in the cultural foster care fund under RSA 170-E:52-d. 7 New Paragraph; Foster Care Children's Bill of Rights; Maintenance of Child’s Cultural Background. Amend RSA 170-G:21 by inserting after paragraph XV the following new paragraph: XVI. To live in an environment that maintains and reflects the child’s cultural background and heritage. 8 Effective Date. This act shall take effect Janu

  • 2026 HB1779-FN amend · effective 2027-01-01

    oneys deposited in the cultural foster care fund under RSA 170-E:52-d. 7 New Paragraph; Foster Care Children's Bill of Rights; Maintenance of Child’s Cultural Background. Amend RSA 170-G:21 by inserting after paragraph XV the following new paragraph: XVI. To live in an environment that maintains and reflects the child’s cultural background and heritage. 8 Effective Date. This act shall take effect Janu

  • 2026 HB518 reference

    ons that report to the associate commissioner whose duties include oversight of the division for children, youth and families and assigned responsibilities of the department under RSA 170-G for the division pursuant to RSA 126-A:9, I(a), and indicate: (1) Whether each position is specifically authorized by statutes or is authorized solely by the commissioner. (2) Whether each position is a part-time or

  • 2026 HB518-FN reference

    ons that report to the associate commissioner whose duties include oversight of the division for children, youth and families and assigned responsibilities of the department under RSA 170-G for the division pursuant to RSA 126-A:9, I(a), and indicate: (1) Whether each position is specifically authorized by statutes or is authorized solely by the commissioner. (2) Whether each position is a part-time or

  • 2026 SB142 reference · effective 2026-01-01

    tion of parental rights under RSA 170-C. (k) Child day care, residential care, and child-placing agencies under RSA 170-E. (l) Services for children, youth, and families under RSA 170-G. (m) Parole of delinquents under RSA 170-H. (n) The compact for hard to place children under RSA 126-D. (o) Family support services under RSA 126-G. (p) Educationally disabled children at the Sununu youth servic

  • 2026 SB142-FN reference · effective 2026-01-01

    tion of parental rights under RSA 170-C. (k) Child day care, residential care, and child-placing agencies under RSA 170-E. (l) Services for children, youth, and families under RSA 170-G. (m) Parole of delinquents under RSA 170-H. (n) The compact for hard to place children under RSA 126-D. (o) Family support services under RSA 126-G. (p) Educationally disabled children at the Sununu youth servic