FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 6672

                          C 278 L 96

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Requiring department of corrections personnel to report suspected abuse of children and adult dependent and developmentally disabled persons.

Sponsors:  Senators Hargrove, Long and Oke; by request of Department of Social and Health Services and Department of Corrections.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

House Committee on Children & Family Services

Background:  While supervising offenders in the community, Department of Corrections (DOC)  personnel often observe the homes, families, and living conditions of offenders and the children with whom they are in contact.  As a result of the supervision, DOC staff may observe signs of child maltreatment or neglect.

Department of Corrections personnel are not currently included on the list of professionals who are mandated to report suspected abuse and neglect of children, dependent adults, or people with developmental disabilities.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is requesting this legislation to encourage the reporting of dangerous conditions for children and to facilitate joint planning between DSHS and DOC to protect children and vulnerable adults who may be residing with an offender or at a residence where an offender will be residing.

Summary:  Certain Department of Corrections (DOC) personnel are added to the list of professionals who are required to report suspected instances of abuse or neglect of a child, adult dependent, or a developmentally disabled person.  The DOC personnel who are made mandatory reporters include those who, in the course of their employment, observe offenders or the children with whom the offenders are in contact.

The mandatory reporting requirement applies only when, as a result of observations or information received in the course of their employment, DOC personnel have reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect occurred.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    47 1

House     93 0 (House amended)

Senate        (Senate refused to concur)

House     96 0 (House receded)

Effective:  June 6, 1996