Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

Children & Family Services Committee

     BILL ANALYSIS

HB 2587

Title:  An act relating to payment to foster parents during investigations.

Brief Description:  Regarding payment to foster parents during investigations of child abuse and neglect.

Sponsors:  Representatives Mielke, Boldt, Clements and Schoesler.

Meeting Date:January 29, 1998.

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

Background:   For many foster parents, payments to care for foster children constitute a large percentage of their household income.  If a foster parent is accused of an improper action the foster child is removed from their home, foster care payments are stopped, and the Department of Social and Health Services conducts an investigation.  Investigations may take weeks or months to conduct.  This can create a financial hardship for a foster parent.

Summary of Bill:   When the Department of Social and Health Services investigates a foster parent accused of an improper action foster care payments will be continued until the allegation is founded.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 22, 1998.

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

Committee Members:

Rep. Suzette Cooke, ChairRep. Mike Carrell

Rep. Marc Boldt, Vice Chair                        Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson

Rep. Roger Bush, Vice Chair                        Rep. Jeff Gombosky     

Rep. Kip Tokuda*                             Rep. Joyce McDonald

Rep. Jim Kastama**                           Rep. Cathy Wolfe

Rep. Ida Ballasiotes