FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5520

                           C 53 L 95

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Modifying placement of juveniles, specifically addressing independent living.

Sponsors:  Senators Hargrove, Long and Franklin.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

House Committee on Children & Family Services

Background:  In Washington State, when a court determines that a child is dependent and is ordered removed from his or her home, the agency responsible for providing services to the child shall submit a permanency plan to the court.

Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act provides for states to include independent living as a permanency plan option.

Summary:  A permanency plan may include independent living if the child is 16 years or older.  The plan must identify the services to be provided for the child's successful transition from foster care to independent living.

To approve independent living, a court must find that the transitional services allow the child to manage his or her own affairs.

The Department of Social and Health Services may not discharge a child under 18 years of age to independent living unless the child becomes emancipated.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    45 0

House     96 0

Effective:  July 23, 1995