04/19/2000 02:15 PM Senate JUD

              HB 392-CONTINUANCES OF CINA HEARINGS                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
MS. LORI BACKES, legislative assistant to Representative Whitaker,                                                              
sponsor of HB 392, made the following comments about the measure.                                                               
HB 392 is the result of many conversations with constituents who                                                                
have concerns about the process of placing a child in the custody                                                               
of the Division of Family and Youth Services (DFYS). When a child                                                               
is taken into custody, it is an emotionally charged and confusing                                                               
time for the parents and guardians.  Most often, at the temporary                                                               
custody hearing which occurs 48 hours after the child is taken into                                                             
custody, the parents have not seen the allegations made against                                                                 
them.  HB 392 gives parents and guardians an opportunity to take a                                                              
little bit of time to understand the circumstances that have                                                                    
brought them to this point and to consider their course of action.                                                              
It recognizes and affirms in statute that parents or guardians have                                                             
the right to request a continuance and it requires the judge to                                                                 
inform them of that right.  The bill is supported by the Public                                                                 
Defenders' Agency and the Department of Health and Social Services.                                                             
                                                                                                                                
There being no questions or further testimony on HB 392, SENATOR                                                                
HALFORD moved to pass HB 392 out of committee with individual                                                                   
recommendations.  There being no objection, the motion carried.