41-3-118: Purpose.

The intent of 41-3-119 is to provide reimbursement for mental health outpatient counseling services to foster parents who experience the death of a foster child placed with them by the department or a licensed child placing agency. Many of the children have disabilities, terminal illnesses, or other special needs, and often these children spend their childhood in the homes of foster parents. The death of a child is a traumatic experience, and the legislature finds that providing reimbursement for counseling is a necessary support to those persons who are willing to open their homes to foster children who need a stable and safe environment.