HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 HB 1432

Title:  An act relating to modification of the adoption support reconsideration program.

Brief Description:  Modifying the adoption support reconsideration program.

Sponsors:  Representatives Cooke, Tokuda, Kastama and Dickerson; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Meeting Date:  February 6, 1997.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  David Knutson  (786-7146).

Background:  The Department of Social and Health Services provides post-adoption support to individuals who adopt children, through the adoption reconsideration program.  The program provides medical and counseling services for adopted children who lived in foster care and had a physical or mental handicap at the time of their adoption.

Summary of Bill:  The adoption reconsideration program will also cover adopted children who were at high risk of future physical or mental handicap or emotional disturbance as a result of prior exposure.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.