All Roll Calls
Yes: 0 • No: 0
GuamBill No. 139-38 (COR)38th Guam Legislature (2025-2026)legislatureWALLET
AN ACT TO ADD NEW §§ 13321.1 AND 13321.2 TO ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 13, TITLE 19, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, RELATIVE TO ESTABLISHING THE FOSTER CARE BILL OF RIGHTS; AND TO CITE THIS ACT AS THE “FOSTER CARE BILL OF RIGHTS ACT OF 2025.”
Sponsored By: Shelly V. Calvo (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
More rights and support for foster parents
The law recognizes foster parents as key partners and bans discrimination. You have the right to foster care maintenance payments, but only as funds are available. You may accept or refuse placements, get child information before placement when possible (within 72 hours for emergencies), and reach on‑call staff 24/7. You can join case planning, get timely notice of changes and court hearings, and talk with the child’s providers; with caseworker approval, you may contact birth family and other caregivers. If a child has lived with you 12 months, you get priority consideration for adoption or another permanent placement. You may request respite and get fair investigations of complaints; the Department must explain roles, provide training, and give you a written Bill of Rights. You must keep the child’s confidential information private.
Stronger rights for foster children
The law sets clear rights for children in foster care. Children must live in safe, respectful homes in the least restrictive setting and get age‑fit schooling. They can visit family unless a court or CPS limits it, and make private calls and send unopened mail unless a court order says otherwise. Children get age‑appropriate information about why they are in care and can attend court and speak to the judge. They are protected from discrimination, have privacy for their records, fair discipline, and no unnecessary medication. Mental health and addiction treatment must be planned with the caseworker and is provided only when it is financially reasonable for the foster parent. Children can report rights violations without retaliation, and facilities must post these rights where children can see them.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Shelly V. Calvo
Republican • legislature
Cosponsors
Joe S. San Agustin
Democrat • legislature
Sabina F. Perez
Democrat • legislature
Sabrina Salas Matanane
Republican • legislature
Therese M. Terlaje
Democrat • legislature
Tina Rose Muña-Barnes
Democrat • legislature
V. Anthony Ada
Republican • legislature
Vincent A.V. Borja
Republican • legislature
William A. Parkinson
Democrat • legislature
Roll Call Votes
legislature vote • 7/31/2025
Floor Vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Referred to committee
5/8/2025legislatureIntroduced as Bill No. 139-38 (COR)
5/8/2025legislatureEnacted into law
GovernorTransmitted to Governor
legislatureCommittee report filed
legislature
Bill Text
Introduced
5/8/2025
Committee Report
Enrolled (Public Law)
Transmittal
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