SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5087

                            AS OF JANUARY 21, 1991

Brief Description:  Revising provisions for reports of abuse of children or adult dependent or developmentally disabled persons.

SPONSORS:Senators Roach and Stratton; by request of Dept. of Social and Health Services.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Staff:  Jan Sharar (786‑7472)

Hearing Dates: January 22, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Certain professionals who have regular professional contact with children, dependent adults or persons with developmental disabilities are required to report abuse or neglect if there is reasonable cause to do so.  Reports are required to be made to child protective services or to the proper law enforcement agency.

Current law requires all cases be reported, including incidents discovered in the therapy of adults.  In some cases, adults do not want the incident disclosed to an agency or to be investigated.

SUMMARY:

It is clarified that reports of abuse or neglect are made when the victim is currently a person subject to the reporting requirement.  Mandatory reporting would apply in cases where the individual is under 18 years of age or is an adult dependent or person with developmental disabilities at the time of the incident of abuse or neglect.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested