HB 1487-S - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/9/99)

     Declares that foster parents have the right to be free of coercion, discrimination, and reprisal in serving foster children, including the right to voice grievances about treatment furnished or not furnished to the foster child.

     Provides that no department employee may retaliate against a foster parent or in any other manner discriminate against any foster parent because:  (1) The foster parent made a complaint with the office of family and children's ombudsman, the attorney general, law enforcement agencies, or the department, provided information, or otherwise cooperated with the investigation of such a complaint;

     (2) the foster parent has caused to be instituted any proceedings under or related to Title 13 RCW;

     (3) the foster parent has testified or is about to testify in any such proceedings;

     (4) the foster parent has advocated for services on behalf of the foster child;

     (5) the foster parent has sought to adopt a foster child in the foster parent's care; or

     (6) the foster parent has discussed or consulted with anyone concerning the foster parent's rights under this chapter or chapter 74.15 or 13.34 RCW.