| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Early Learning & Children's Services Committee | |
HB 1377
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Changing provisions affecting the placement of children.
Sponsors: Representatives Pettigrew, Hinkle, Walsh, Haler, Kagi, Appleton, Warnick and Roberts; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/1/07
Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).
Background:
The Department of Social and Health Services is authorized by law to remove a child from his or
her home if the child has been abandoned, abused, or neglected by a parent or guardian. When
children are removed from home and taken into the custody of the DSHS, alternative care
arrangements for the child must be made. These arrangements are made pursuant to court
hearings and disposition orders which govern the child's placement while in the custody of the
DSHS.
The Children's Administration within the DSHS places approximately 7,600 children in
out-of-home care each year. When determining the best placement for a child, state and federal
laws include a preference for placing the child with a relative who is willing and available to
care for and meet any special needs of the child. State law allows some relatives to be an
eligible placement option for a child without requiring the relative to be a licensed foster parent.
These relatives include blood and half-blood relatives; first cousins; nephews and nieces;
grandparents; stepparents; and stepbrothers and stepsisters. Placement of a child with a relative
who is not a licensed foster parent is commonly known as a kinship placement.
Summary of Bill:
Kinship care placement options are expanded to include a child's second cousin and the relatives
of any half-sibling of the child. Placement of a child with such a relative who is not a licensed
foster parent also is conditioned on the relative being willing and available to care for and meet
any special needs of the child.
Subject to court review and a finding that such a placement is in the child's best interests, a child
who has been removed from his or her own home may be placed also in the home of another
suitable person:
(1) with whom the child or child's family has a preexisting relationship;
(2) who has completed the required criminal background checks; and
(3) who otherwise appears to be suitable and competent to care for the child.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 24, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.