BOISE — The House on Friday passed legislation that gives a greater voice to qualified relatives hoping to care for children in protective custody.

The bill, which passed unanimously, sets up a priority list for placement of children in protective custody of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Homes of fit and willing relatives are at the top of the list of where to place children in foster care.

The bill comes at a time when grandparents are raising their grandchildren in increasing numbers in Idaho, often because of substance abuse and incarceration of parents.

Rep. Sharon Block, R-Twin Falls and a sponsor of the bill, said families are the basic structure of society and the proposal is aimed at putting children in a situation with as much love and care as possible.

“The placement is consistent with the best interests of the child,” Block said. The bill also authorizes the state agency to place a child with a relative within 24 hours after completing a background check and home check.

Other lawmakers praised the bill.

“I know so many grandparents that do a great job and their grandchildren are thriving because they’re with family,” said Rep. Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum.

The bill faces a vote in the Senate.

Another bill, sponsored by Sen. Denton Darrington, R-Declo, focuses on the court system and would set up a process for grandparents and other relatives to gain custody of children in the court system.

Custody arrangements would be overseen and evaluated by the courts under the bill, and courts would also determine when parents are ready to take their children back.

In 2006, Idaho had nearly 10,000 households with grandparents raising their grandchildren, a 21 percent increase since 2000, according to Idaho Voices for Children.

Ben Botkin may be reached at bbotkin@magicvalley.com.