HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5015
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Early Learning & Children's Services
Title: An act relating to foster parent licensing.
Brief Description: Concerning foster parent licensing.
Sponsors: Senators Franklin, Hargrove and Kauffman; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Early Learning & Children's Services: 3/19/09, 3/20/09 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & CHILDREN'S SERVICES |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Kagi, Chair; Roberts, Vice Chair; Haler, Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Goodman and Seaquist.
Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120)
Background:
Foster family home licenses issued by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) are issued for the foster family's current home and are location-specific. Absent a change in circumstances, foster family home licenses are issued for a period of three years. When a foster family moves to a new residence, the license remains in effect for two weeks after the move, if the home has a history of acceptable care and the foster family remains intact. Following the two-week extension, however, the foster family must undergo the process of re-licensure at the family's new home.
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Summary of Bill:
When a licensed foster family moves to a new residence, the license will remain in effect for 30 days after the relocation. This 30-day extension is conditioned on the foster family remaining intact after the move and the family having had an acceptable history of providing foster care under the license. Before relocating, the foster family must notify the licensor of the intended move and may request a continuation of the license at the new location. If the new home and the foster family still meet minimum licensing standards, the DSHS must amend the license to reflect the family's new location within 30 days of receiving the request for continuation of the license.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Washington's foster parents do such a great job and this bill will make it possible for them to have a little more time to arrange for transfer of their license when a foster family moves to a new home. It also will be helpful by not requiring the family to undergo an entire re-licensure just for a change in residence. This 30-day extension also will assure the Department of Social and Health Services does not jeopardize federal funding for foster care.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Franklin, prime sponsor; and Darcey Hancock, Children’s Administration, Division of License Resources.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.