38-2403. Establishment of host family programs. (a) A child placement agency, or other Kansas charitable organization working under an agreement with a child placement agency, may establish a program in which it coordinates with private organizations to provide temporary care of children by placing a child with a host family.

(b) (1) A program established pursuant to subsection (a) shall include screening and background checks for potential host families. Such screening and background checks shall be the same as the screening and background checks required for obtaining and maintaining a license to operate a family foster home pursuant to rules and regulations adopted by the secretary for children and families.

(2) A host family shall not receive payment other than reimbursement for actual expenses of providing temporary care for the child.

(c) Any placement of a child into a program established pursuant to subsection (a):

(1) Shall be voluntary and shall not be considered an out-of-home placement by the state;

(2) shall not supersede any order under the revised Kansas code for care of children or any other court order; and

(3) shall not preclude any investigation of suspected abuse or neglect.

(d) (1) A parent may place a child into a program established pursuant to subsection (a) by executing a power of attorney delegating to a host family any of the powers regarding the care and custody of the child, except the power to consent to marriage or adoption of the child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for the child, or the termination of parental rights to the child. Such placement of a child shall not be allowed without the consent of all individuals who have legal custody of the child.

(2) (A) A power of attorney executed pursuant to this subsection shall not exceed one year in duration, except that such power of attorney may be renewed for one additional year.

(B) A serving parent may execute a power of attorney pursuant to this section for a duration longer than one year if on active duty service, and the duration of such power of attorney shall not exceed the term of active duty service plus 30 days.

(3) A delegation of powers pursuant to this subsection shall not: (A) Deprive any parent of any parental or legal authority regarding the care and custody of the child; (B) deprive any non-delegating parent of any parental or legal authority regarding the child, if such parent's rights have not otherwise been terminated or relinquished as provided by law; or (C) affect any parental or legal authority otherwise limited by a court order.

(4) A parent executing a power of attorney pursuant to this subsection shall have the authority to revoke or withdraw the power of attorney at any time. If a parent withdraws or revokes the power of attorney, the child shall be returned to the custody of the parent as soon as reasonably possible.

(5) The execution of a power of attorney by a parent pursuant to this subsection shall not be evidence of abandonment, abuse or neglect as defined in K.S.A. 2018 Supp. 38-2202, and amendments thereto.

(6) A power of attorney executed pursuant to this subsection shall be deemed sufficient if in substantial compliance with the form set forth by the judicial council. The judicial council shall develop a form for use under this subsection.

History: L. 2016, ch. 102, § 3; July 1.