HB 962 amends O.C.G.A. Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 49, by creating the position of kinship care enforcement administrator within the Department of Human Services.

      The duties of the kinship care enforcement administrator shall include supervising, directing, and ensuring compliance to all laws and regulations, among other duties. HB 962 defines the term ‘kinship caregiver.’

      The department is also required to provide a link or portal on its website which provides access to social services to kinship caregivers and the children in their care. The link shall provide specific information for applying for and accessing public assistance as a kinship caregiver. 

HB 962 also incorporates SB 337. HB 962 would require the Department of Human Services to allow legal residents who are dependents of military service members to be added to a database when the military member in not in this state due to such member’s military service. The dependent may be selected to receive medical assistance. A dependent is required to produce certain documents to prove status as dependent of a military service member.