BP BHEAD INT S [atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to reform of social and health services; amending RCW 41.06.076, 13.34.030, 13.50.010, 13.50.100, 26.44.015, 26.44.020, 26.44.030, 26.44.035, 26.44.040, 26.44.053, 26.44.060, 70.124.040, 70.129.030, 74.13.031, 74.15.030, 74.34.050, and 74.34.070; reenacting and amending RCW 13.34.130; adding a new section to chapter 41.06 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 43.20A RCW; adding new sections to chapter 13.34 RCW; creating a new section; repealing RCW 43.06A.040; making appropriations; providing an effective date; and providing expiration dates.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 41.06.076 and 1993 c 281 s 22 are each amended to read as follows:

In addition to the exemptions set forth in RCW 41.06.070, the provisions of this chapter shall not apply in the department of social and health services to the secretary; the secretary's executive assistant, if any; not to exceed six assistant secretaries, thirteen division directors, six regional directors; one confidential secretary for each of the above-named officers; not to exceed six bureau chiefs; all social worker V positions; and all superintendents of institutions of which the average daily population equals or exceeds one hundred residents: PROVIDED, That each such confidential secretary must meet the minimum qualifications for the class of secretary II as determined by the Washington personnel resources board.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 41.06 RCW to read as follows:

The salary and fringe benefits of all social worker V positions created under RCW 41.06.076 shall be determined by the Washington personnel resources board. In establishing the salary and fringe benefits the board shall consider: (1) The consequences of extended travel and out of home living; (2) the importance to the department of caseload reduction and increased efficiencies; (3) the requirements of and qualifications involved in caseworker training; (4) the complexity of the work requirements; and (5) the desirability of avoiding employee turnover in these positions.

The salary and fringe benefits shall exceed that of the highest position in the social worker classification on the effective date of this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 43.20A RCW to read as follows:

There is created in the department the classification of social worker V. Employees who are appointed to fill the position shall have: (1) An employment history that demonstrates significant and successful experience in the efficient investigation and resolution of high-risk or complex cases involving child abuse and neglect, including child sex abuse cases; (2) advanced education and training; (3) supervisory experience; (4) a demonstrated commitment to professional improvement and advancement; and (5) capacity to successfully provide support and mentoring to coworkers. Social worker V positions shall not be included in the Washington management service. This classification shall not have more than forty positions.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter 43.20A RCW to read as follows:

The secretary shall establish the most cost-effective and efficient administrative structure for use of the social worker V positions, consistent with the requirements of this section. The social worker V employees shall be assigned by the secretary to regions where the average child protective services' caseloads exceed the state-wide average, with consideration also given to the number of high-risk or complex cases in a region, for the purpose of assisting in the reduction of the caseload, training and mentoring other caseworkers, and providing hands-on training and assistance in high-risk, complex, or large cases. The social worker V employees shall be assigned high-risk and complex cases consistent with their qualifications and the goal of caseload reduction. They shall carry no more than one-third the average number of cases for social workers in the region to which they are assigned.

The social worker V employees shall be assigned to a region as a task force consisting of no less than ten employees. The assignment shall be time-limited and in no event shall exceed two years in duration in any one region. Upon completion of the work in the region the task force members shall continue to remain in contact with the coworkers from the previous assignment for a period of twelve months to perform additional follow-up and mentoring.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. A new section is added to chapter 43.20A RCW to read as follows:

The secretary shall develop a plan for implementation for the social worker V employees. The implementation plan shall be submitted to the governor and the legislature by December 1, 1997.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. A new section is added to chapter 43.20A RCW to read as follows:

The Washington state institute for public policy shall conduct or contract for monitoring and tracking of sections 2 through 5 of this act to determine whether these efforts result in a measurable reduction in caseloads, increased capacities and efficiencies of caseworkers, and improved resolution of cases. The institute shall report its findings to the governor and legislature by December 1, 2004. If the institute contracts for the study required under this section, it shall consult with the appropriate committees of the legislature to assure the request for proposals adequately reflects the legislative intent.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. A new section is added to chapter 43.20A RCW to read as follows:

Sections 2 through 6 of this act expire June 30, 2005.

Sec. 8. RCW 13.34.030 and 1995 c 311 s 23 are each amended to read as follows:

For purposes of this chapter:

(1) "Alternative response system" means voluntary family-centered services that are: (a) Provided by an entity with which the department contracts; and (b) intended to increase the strengths and cohesiveness of families that the department determines present a low risk of child abuse or neglect.

(2) "Child" and "juvenile" means any individual under the age of eighteen years.

((~~(2)~~)) (3) "Current placement episode" means the period of time that begins with the most recent date that the child was removed from the home of the parent, guardian, or legal custodian for purposes of placement in out-of-home care and continues until the child returns home, an adoption decree or guardianship order is entered, or the dependency is dismissed, whichever occurs soonest. If the most recent date of removal occurred prior to the filing of a dependency petition under this chapter or after filing but prior to entry of a disposition order, such time periods shall be included when calculating the length of a child's current placement episode.

((~~(3)~~)) (4) "Department" means the department of social and health services.

(5) "Dependency guardian" means the person, nonprofit corporation, or Indian tribe appointed by the court pursuant to RCW 13.34.232 for the limited purpose of assisting the court in the supervision of the dependency.

((~~(4)~~)) (6) "Dependent child" means any child:

(a) Who has been abandoned; that is, where the child's parent, guardian, or other custodian has expressed either by statement or conduct, an intent to forego, for an extended period, parental rights or parental responsibilities despite an ability to do so. If the court finds that the petitioner has exercised due diligence in attempting to locate the parent, no contact between the child and the child's parent, guardian, or other custodian for a period of three months creates a rebuttable presumption of abandonment, even if there is no expressed intent to abandon;

(b) Who is abused or neglected as defined in chapter 26.44 RCW by a person legally responsible for the care of the child;

(c) Who has no parent, guardian, or custodian capable of adequately caring for the child, such that the child is in circumstances which constitute a danger of substantial damage to the child's psychological or physical development; or

(d) Who has a developmental disability, as defined in RCW 71A.10.020 and whose parent, guardian, or legal custodian together with the department determines that services appropriate to the child's needs can not be provided in the home. However, (a), (b), and (c) of this subsection may still be applied if other reasons for removal of the child from the home exist.

((~~(5)~~)) (7) "Guardian" means the person or agency that: (a) Has been appointed as the guardian of a child in a legal proceeding other than a proceeding under this chapter; and (b) has the legal right to custody of the child pursuant to such appointment. The term "guardian" shall not include a "dependency guardian" appointed pursuant to a proceeding under this chapter.

((~~(6)~~)) (8) "Guardian ad litem" means a person, appointed by the court to represent the best interest of a child in a proceeding under this chapter, or in any matter which may be consolidated with a proceeding under this chapter. A "court-appointed special advocate" appointed by the court to be the guardian ad litem for the child, or to perform substantially the same duties and functions as a guardian ad litem, shall be deemed to be guardian ad litem for all purposes and uses of this chapter.

((~~(7)~~)) (9) "Guardian ad litem program" means a court-authorized volunteer program, which is or may be established by the superior court of the county in which such proceeding is filed, to manage all aspects of volunteer guardian ad litem representation for children alleged or found to be dependent. Such management shall include but is not limited to: Recruitment, screening, training, supervision, assignment, and discharge of volunteers.

((~~(8)~~)) (10) "Out-of-home care" means placement in a foster family home or group care facility licensed pursuant to chapter 74.15 RCW or placement in a home, other than that of the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, not required to be licensed pursuant to chapter 74.15 RCW.

((~~(9)~~)) (11) "Preventive services" means preservation services, as defined in chapter 74.14C RCW, and other reasonably available services capable of preventing the need for out-of-home placement while protecting the child.

Sec. 9. RCW 13.34.130 and 1995 c 313 s 2, 1995 c 311 s 19, and 1995 c 53 s 1 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

If, after a fact-finding hearing pursuant to RCW 13.34.110, it has been proven by a preponderance of the evidence that the child is dependent within the meaning of RCW 13.34.030; after consideration of the predisposition report prepared pursuant to RCW 13.34.110 and after a disposition hearing has been held pursuant to RCW 13.34.110, the court shall enter an order of disposition pursuant to this section.

(1) The court shall order one of the following dispositions of the case:

(a) Order a disposition other than removal of the child from his or her home, which shall provide a program designed to alleviate the immediate danger to the child, to mitigate or cure any damage the child has already suffered, and to aid the parents so that the child will not be endangered in the future. In selecting a program, the court should choose those services that least interfere with family autonomy, provided that the services are adequate to protect the child.

(b) Order that the child be removed from his or her home and ordered into the custody, control, and care of a relative or the department of social and health services or a licensed child placing agency for placement in a foster family home or group care facility licensed pursuant to chapter 74.15 RCW or in a home not required to be licensed pursuant to chapter 74.15 RCW. Unless there is reasonable cause to believe that the safety or welfare of the child would be jeopardized or that efforts to reunite the parent and child will be hindered, such child shall be placed with a person who is related to the child as defined in RCW 74.15.020(4)(a) and with whom the child has a relationship and is comfortable, and who is willing and available to care for the child. Placement of the child with a relative under this subsection shall be given preference by the court. An order for out-of-home placement may be made only if the court finds that reasonable efforts have been made to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from the child's home and to make it possible for the child to return home, specifying the services that have been provided to the child and the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, and that preventive services have been offered or provided and have failed to prevent the need for out-of-home placement, unless the health, safety, and welfare of the child cannot be protected adequately in the home, and that:

(i) There is no parent or guardian available to care for such child;

(ii) The parent, guardian, or legal custodian is not willing to take custody of the child;

(iii) The court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, a manifest danger exists that the child will suffer serious abuse or neglect if the child is not removed from the home and an order under RCW 26.44.063 would not protect the child from danger; or

(iv) The extent of the child's disability is such that the parent, guardian, or legal custodian is unable to provide the necessary care for the child and the parent, guardian, or legal custodian has determined that the child would benefit from placement outside of the home.

(2) If the court has ordered a child removed from his or her home pursuant to subsection (1)(b) of this section, the court may order that a petition seeking termination of the parent and child relationship be filed if the court finds it is recommended by the supervising agency, that it is in the best interests of the child and that it is not reasonable to provide further services to reunify the family because the existence of aggravated circumstances make it unlikely that services will effectuate the return of the child to the child's parents in the near future. In determining whether aggravated circumstances exist, the court shall consider one or more of the following:

(a) Conviction of the parent of rape of the child in the first, second, or third degree as defined in RCW 9A.44.073, 9A.44.076, and 9A.44.079;

(b) Conviction of the parent of criminal mistreatment of the child in the first or second degree as defined in RCW 9A.42.020 and 9A.42.030;

(c) Conviction of the parent of one of the following assault crimes, when the child is the victim: Assault in the first or second degree as defined in RCW 9A.36.011 and 9A.36.021 or assault of a child in the first or second degree as defined in RCW 9A.36.120 or 9A.36.130;

(d) Conviction of the parent of murder, manslaughter, or homicide by abuse of the child's other parent, sibling, or another child;

(e) A finding by a court that a parent is a sexually violent predator as defined in RCW 71.09.020;

(f) Failure of the parent to complete available treatment ordered under this chapter or the equivalent laws of another state, where such failure has resulted in a prior termination of parental rights to another child and the parent has failed to effect significant change in the interim.

(3) Whenever a child is ordered removed from the child's home, the agency charged with his or her care shall provide the court with:

(a) A permanency plan of care that shall identify one of the following outcomes as a primary goal and may identify additional outcomes as alternative goals: Return of the child to the home of the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian; adoption; guardianship; or long-term relative or foster care, until the child is age eighteen, with a written agreement between the parties and the care provider; and independent living, if appropriate and if the child is age sixteen or older. Whenever a permanency plan identifies independent living as a goal, the plan shall also specifically identify the services that will be provided to assist the child to make a successful transition from foster care to independent living. Before the court approves independent living as a permanency plan of care, the court shall make a finding that the provision of services to assist the child in making a transition from foster care to independent living will allow the child to manage his or her financial affairs and to manage his or her personal, social, educational, and nonfinancial affairs. The department shall not discharge a child to an independent living situation before the child is eighteen years of age unless the child becomes emancipated pursuant to chapter 13.64 RCW.

(b) Unless the court has ordered, pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, that a termination petition be filed, a specific plan as to where the child will be placed, what steps will be taken to return the child home, and what actions the agency will take to maintain parent-child ties. All aspects of the plan shall include the goal of achieving permanence for the child.

(i) The agency plan shall specify what services the parents will be offered in order to enable them to resume custody, what requirements the parents must meet in order to resume custody, and a time limit for each service plan and parental requirement.

(ii) The agency shall be required to encourage the maximum parent-child contact possible, including regular visitation and participation by the parents in the care of the child while the child is in placement. Visitation may be limited or denied only if the court determines that such limitation or denial is necessary to protect the child's health, safety, or welfare.

(iii) A child shall be placed as close to the child's home as possible, preferably in the child's own neighborhood, unless the court finds that placement at a greater distance is necessary to promote the child's or parents' well-being.

(iv) The agency charged with supervising a child in placement shall provide all reasonable services that are available within the agency, or within the community, or those services which the department of social and health services has existing contracts to purchase. It shall report to the court if it is unable to provide such services.

(c) If the court has ordered, pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, that a termination petition be filed, a specific plan as to where the child will be placed, what steps will be taken to achieve permanency for the child, services to be offered or provided to the child, and, if visitation would be in the best interests of the child, a recommendation to the court regarding visitation between parent and child pending a fact-finding hearing on the termination petition. The agency shall not be required to develop a plan of services for the parents or provide services to the parents.

(4) If there is insufficient information at the time of the disposition hearing upon which to base a determination regarding the suitability of a proposed placement with a relative, the child shall remain in foster care and the court shall direct the supervising agency to conduct necessary background investigations as provided in chapter 74.15 RCW and report the results of such investigation to the court within thirty days. However, if such relative appears otherwise suitable and competent to provide care and treatment, the criminal history background check need not be completed before placement, but as soon as possible after placement. Any placements with relatives, pursuant to this section, shall be contingent upon cooperation by the relative with the agency case plan and compliance with court orders related to the care and supervision of the child including, but not limited to, court orders regarding parent-child contacts and any other conditions imposed by the court. Noncompliance with the case plan or court order shall be grounds for removal of the child from the relative's home, subject to review by the court.

(5) Except for children whose cases are reviewed by a citizen review board under chapter 13.70 RCW, the status of all children found to be dependent shall be reviewed by the court at least every six months from the beginning date of the placement episode or the date dependency is established, whichever is first, at a hearing in which it shall be determined whether court supervision should continue. The review shall include findings regarding the agency and parental completion of disposition plan requirements, and if necessary, revised permanency time limits.

(a) A child shall not be returned home at the review hearing unless the court finds that a reason for removal as set forth in this section no longer exists. The parents, guardian, or legal custodian shall report to the court the efforts they have made to correct the conditions which led to removal. If a child is returned, casework supervision shall continue for a period of six months, at which time there shall be a hearing on the need for continued intervention.

(b) If the child is not returned home, the court shall establish in writing:

(i) Whether reasonable services have been provided to or offered to the parties to facilitate reunion, specifying the services provided or offered;

(ii) Whether the child has been placed in the least-restrictive setting appropriate to the child's needs, including whether consideration and preference has been given to placement with the child's relatives;

(iii) Whether there is a continuing need for placement and whether the placement is appropriate;

(iv) Whether there has been compliance with the case plan by the child, the child's parents, and the agency supervising the placement;

(v) Whether progress has been made toward correcting the problems that necessitated the child's placement in out-of-home care;

(vi) Whether the parents have visited the child and any reasons why visitation has not occurred or has been infrequent;

(vii) Whether additional services are needed to facilitate the return of the child to the child's parents; if so, the court shall order that reasonable services be offered specifying such services; and

(viii) The projected date by which the child will be returned home or other permanent plan of care will be implemented.

(c) The court at the review hearing may order that a petition seeking termination of the parent and child relationship be filed.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. A new section is added to chapter 13.34 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The department shall contract for delivery of services for at least two but not more than three models of alternative response systems. The services shall be reasonably available throughout the state but need not be sited in every county in the state. The systems shall be in at least two locations in each of the department's administrative regions.

(2) The systems shall provide delivery of services in the least intrusive manner reasonably likely to achieve improved family cohesiveness, prevention of rereferrals of the family for alleged abuse or neglect, and improvement in the health and safety of children.

(3) The department shall identify and prioritize risk and protective factors associated with the type of abuse or neglect referrals that are appropriate for services delivered by alternative response systems. Contractors who provide services through an alternative response system shall use the factors in determining which services to deliver, consistent with the provisions of subsection (2) of this section.

(4) The department shall identify appropriate data to determine and evaluate outcomes of the services delivered by the alternative response systems. All contracts for delivery of alternative response system services shall include provisions and funding for data collection.

(5) The Washington institute for public policy shall prepare and conduct an evaluation of the services under contracts executed under this section. The evaluation, which shall include the factors identified in subsection (2) of this section, must include an analysis of the cost-effectiveness of the services, the rate of rereferrals of families who initially receive the services to the department for alleged abuse or neglect, and the rate of rereferrals of families compared to similarly situated families who do not receive services with those receiving services under the contracts. The analysis of the rereferrals shall review substantiation rates, comparative levels of risk at the time of initial service delivery and conclusion of service, and rereferral, if any. The institute for public policy shall do a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the models used. The evaluation shall be completed not later than September 1, 2004.

(6) The department shall have in place, not later than July 1, 2001, contracts creating sufficient capacity to provide alternative response system services to at least sixty percent of the families who meet the criteria for such services.

(7) This section expires July 1, 2005.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 11. A new section is added to chapter 13.34 RCW to read as follows:

The responsibility for any child who is or has been found to be dependent under RCW 13.34.130 and who meets the criteria set forth in RCW 13.34.030(6)(d) shall be within the department's division of developmental disabilities, as soon as is practical following the determination of dependency. The secretary of the department shall determine the appropriate administrative entity within the department to proceed with the petition required under this chapter. All funds associated with the provision of services for children who are transferred under this section shall be transferred to the division, but no investigative or casework personnel shall be transferred.

Sec. 12. RCW 13.50.010 and 1996 c 232 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) For purposes of this chapter:

(a) "Juvenile justice or care agency" means any of the following: Police, diversion units, court, prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, detention center, attorney general, the legislative children's oversight committee, the office of family and children's ombudsman, the department of social and health services and its contracting agencies, schools; and, in addition, persons or public or private agencies having children committed to their custody;

(b) "Official juvenile court file" means the legal file of the juvenile court containing the petition or information, motions, memorandums, briefs, findings of the court, and court orders;

(d) "Records" means the official juvenile court file, the social file, and records of any other juvenile justice or care agency in the case.

(2) Each petition or information filed with the court may include only one juvenile and each petition or information shall be filed under a separate docket number. The social file shall be filed separately from the official juvenile court file.

(3) It is the duty of any juvenile justice or care agency to maintain accurate records. To this end:

(a) The agency may never knowingly record inaccurate information. Any information in records maintained by the department of social and health services relating to a petition filed pursuant to chapter 13.34 RCW that is found by the court, upon proof presented, to be false or inaccurate shall be corrected or expunged from such records by the agency;

(b) An agency shall take reasonable steps to assure the security of its records and prevent tampering with them; and

(c) An agency shall make reasonable efforts to insure the completeness of its records, including action taken by other agencies with respect to matters in its files.

(4) Each juvenile justice or care agency shall implement procedures consistent with the provisions of this chapter to facilitate inquiries concerning records.

(5) Any person who has reasonable cause to believe information concerning that person is included in the records of a juvenile justice or care agency and who has been denied access to those records by the agency may make a motion to the court for an order authorizing that person to inspect the juvenile justice or care agency record concerning that person. The court shall grant the motion to examine records unless it finds that in the interests of justice or in the best interests of the juvenile the records or parts of them should remain confidential.

(6) A juvenile, or his or her parents, or any person who has reasonable cause to believe information concerning that person is included in the records of a juvenile justice or care agency may make a motion to the court challenging the accuracy of any information concerning the moving party in the record or challenging the continued possession of the record by the agency. If the court grants the motion, it shall order the record or information to be corrected or destroyed.

(7) The person making a motion under subsection (5) or (6) of this section shall give reasonable notice of the motion to all parties to the original action and to any agency whose records will be affected by the motion.

(8) The court may permit inspection of records by, or release of information to, any clinic, hospital, or agency which has the subject person under care or treatment. The court may also permit inspection by or release to individuals or agencies, including juvenile justice advisory committees of county law and justice councils, engaged in legitimate research for educational, scientific, or public purposes. The court may also permit inspection of, or release of information from, records which have been sealed pursuant to RCW 13.50.050(11). The court shall release to the sentencing guidelines commission records needed for its research and data-gathering functions under RCW 9.94A.040 and other statutes. Access to records or information for research purposes shall be permitted only if the anonymity of all persons mentioned in the records or information will be preserved. Each person granted permission to inspect juvenile justice or care agency records for research purposes shall present a notarized statement to the court stating that the names of juveniles and parents will remain confidential.

(9) Juvenile detention facilities shall release records to the sentencing guidelines commission under RCW 13.40.025 and 9.94A.040 upon request. The commission shall not disclose the names of any juveniles or parents mentioned in the records without the named individual's written permission.

(10) Requirements in this chapter relating to the court's authority to compel disclosure shall not apply to the legislative children's oversight committee or the office of the family and children's ombudsman.

Sec. 13. RCW 13.50.100 and 1995 c 311 s 16 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) This section governs records not covered by RCW 13.50.050.

(2) Records covered by this section shall be confidential and shall be released only pursuant to this section and RCW 13.50.010.

(3) Records retained or produced by any juvenile justice or care agency may be released to other participants in the juvenile justice or care system only when an investigation or case involving the juvenile in question is being pursued by the other participant or when that other participant is assigned the responsibility of supervising the juvenile. Records covered under this section and maintained by the juvenile courts which relate to the official actions of the agency may be entered in the state-wide juvenile court information system.

(4) A juvenile, his or her parents, the juvenile's attorney and the juvenile's parent's attorney, shall, upon request, be given access to all records and information collected or retained by a juvenile justice or care agency which pertain to the juvenile except:

(a) If it is determined by the agency that release of this information is likely to cause severe psychological or physical harm to the juvenile or his or her parents the agency may withhold the information subject to other order of the court: PROVIDED, That if the court determines that limited release of the information is appropriate, the court may specify terms and conditions for the release of the information; or

(b) If the information or record has been obtained by a juvenile justice or care agency in connection with the provision of counseling, psychological, psychiatric, or medical services to the juvenile, when the services have been sought voluntarily by the juvenile, and the juvenile has a legal right to receive those services without the consent of any person or agency, then the information or record may not be disclosed to the juvenile's parents without the informed consent of the juvenile unless otherwise authorized by law; or

(c) That the department of social and health services may delete the name and identifying information regarding persons or organizations who have reported ((~~suspected~~)) alleged child abuse or neglect.

(5) A juvenile or his or her parent denied access to any records following an agency determination under subsection (4) of this section may file a motion in juvenile court requesting access to the records. The court shall grant the motion unless it finds access may not be permitted according to the standards found in subsections (4) (a) and (b) of this section.

(6) The person making a motion under subsection (5) of this section shall give reasonable notice of the motion to all parties to the original action and to any agency whose records will be affected by the motion.

(7) Subject to the rules of discovery in civil cases, any party to a proceeding seeking a declaration of dependency or a termination of the parent-child relationship and any party's counsel and the guardian ad litem of any party, shall have access to the records of any natural or adoptive child of the parent, subject to the limitations in subsection (4) of this section. A party denied access to records may request judicial review of the denial. If the party prevails, he or she shall be awarded attorneys' fees, costs, and an amount not less than five dollars and not more than one hundred dollars for each day the records were wrongfully denied.

Sec. 14. RCW 26.44.015 and 1993 c 412 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) This chapter shall not be construed to authorize interference with child-raising practices, including reasonable parental discipline, which are not injurious to the child's health, welfare, and safety.

(2) Nothing in this chapter may be used to prohibit the reasonable use of corporal punishment as a means of discipline.

(3) No parent or guardian may be deemed abusive or neglectful solely by reason of the parent's or child's blindness, deafness, developmental disability, or other handicap.

(4) A person reporting alleged injury, abuse, or neglect to an adult dependent person shall not suffer negative consequences if the person reporting believes in good faith that the adult dependent person has been found legally incompetent or disabled.

Sec. 15. RCW 26.44.020 and 1996 c 178 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

For the purpose of and as used in this chapter:

(1) "Court" means the superior court of the state of Washington, juvenile department.

(2) "Law enforcement agency" means the police department, the prosecuting attorney, the state patrol, the director of public safety, or the office of the sheriff.

(3) "Practitioner of the healing arts" or "practitioner" means a person licensed by this state to practice podiatric medicine and surgery, optometry, chiropractic, nursing, dentistry, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or medicine and surgery or to provide other health services. The term "practitioner" shall include a duly accredited Christian Science practitioner: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That a person who is being furnished Christian Science treatment by a duly accredited Christian Science practitioner shall not be considered, for that reason alone, a neglected person for the purposes of this chapter.

(4) "Institution" means a private or public hospital or any other facility providing medical diagnosis, treatment or care.

(5) "Department" means the state department of social and health services.

(6) "Child" or "children" means any person under the age of eighteen years of age.

(7) "Professional school personnel" shall include, but not be limited to, teachers, counselors, administrators, child care facility personnel, and school nurses.

(8) "Social service counselor" shall mean anyone engaged in a professional capacity during the regular course of employment in encouraging or promoting the health, welfare, support or education of children, or providing social services to adults or families, including mental health, drug and alcohol treatment, and domestic violence programs, whether in an individual capacity, or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.

(9) "Psychologist" shall mean any person licensed to practice psychology under chapter 18.83 RCW, whether acting in an individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.

(10) "Pharmacist" shall mean any registered pharmacist under the provisions of chapter 18.64 RCW, whether acting in an individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.

(11) "Clergy" shall mean any regularly licensed or ordained minister, priest or rabbi of any church or religious denomination, whether acting in an individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.

(12) "Abuse or neglect" shall mean the injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child, adult dependent, or developmentally disabled person by any person under circumstances which indicate that the child's or adult's health, welfare, and safety is harmed, excluding conduct permitted under RCW 9A.16.100. An abused child is a child who has been subjected to child abuse or neglect as defined herein.

(13) "Child protective services section" shall mean the child protective services section of the department.

(14) "Adult dependent persons" shall be defined as those persons over the age of eighteen years who have been found to be legally incompetent or disabled pursuant to chapter 11.88 RCW.

(15) "Sexual exploitation" includes: (a) Allowing, permitting, or encouraging a child to engage in prostitution by any person; or (b) allowing, permitting, encouraging, or engaging in the obscene or pornographic photographing, filming, or depicting of a child by any person.

(16) "Negligent treatment or maltreatment" means an act or omission which evidences a serious disregard of consequences of such magnitude as to constitute a clear and present danger to the child's health, welfare, and safety.

(17) "Developmentally disabled person" means a person who has a disability defined in RCW 71A.10.020.

(18) "Child protective services" means those services provided by the department designed to protect children from child abuse and neglect and safeguard the general welfare of such children and shall include investigations of child abuse and neglect reports, including reports regarding child care centers and family child care homes, and the development, management, and provision of or referral to services to ameliorate conditions which endanger the welfare of children, the coordination of necessary programs and services relevant to the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse and neglect, and services to children to ensure that each child has a permanent home. In determining whether protective services should be provided, the department shall not decline to provide such services solely because of the child's unwillingness or developmental inability to describe the nature and severity of the abuse or neglect.

(19) "Malice" or "maliciously" means an evil intent, wish, or design to vex, annoy, or injure another person. Such malice may be inferred from an act done in wilful disregard of the rights of another, or an act wrongfully done without just cause or excuse, or an act or omission of duty betraying a wilful disregard of social duty.

(20) "Sexually aggressive youth" means a child who is defined in RCW 74.13.075(1)(b) as being a "sexually aggressive youth."

Sec. 16. RCW 26.44.030 and 1996 c 278 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1)(a) When any practitioner, county coroner or medical examiner, law enforcement officer, professional school personnel, registered or licensed nurse, social service counselor, psychologist, pharmacist, licensed or certified child care providers or their employees, employee of the department, ((or)) juvenile probation officer, or state family and children's ombudsman or any volunteer in the ombudsman's office has reasonable cause to believe that a child or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person, has suffered abuse or neglect, he or she shall report such incident, or cause a report to be made, to the proper law enforcement agency or to the department as provided in RCW 26.44.040.

(b) The reporting requirement shall also apply to department of corrections personnel who, in the course of their employment, observe offenders or the children with whom the offenders are in contact. If, as a result of observations or information received in the course of his or her employment, any department of corrections personnel has reasonable cause to believe that a child or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person has suffered abuse or neglect, he or she shall report the incident, or cause a report to be made, to the proper law enforcement agency or to the department as provided in RCW 26.44.040.

(c) The reporting requirement shall also apply to any adult who has reasonable cause to believe that a child or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person, who resides with them, has suffered severe abuse, and is able or capable of making a report. For the purposes of this subsection, "severe abuse" means any of the following: Any single act of abuse that causes physical trauma of sufficient severity that, if left untreated, could cause death; any single act of sexual abuse that causes significant bleeding, deep bruising, or significant external or internal swelling; or more than one act of physical abuse, each of which causes bleeding, deep bruising, significant external or internal swelling, bone fracture, or unconsciousness.

(d) The report shall be made at the first opportunity, but in no case longer than forty-eight hours after there is reasonable cause to believe that the child or adult has suffered abuse or neglect. The report shall include the identity of the accused if known.

(2) The reporting requirement of subsection (1) of this section does not apply to the discovery of abuse or neglect that occurred during childhood if it is discovered after the child has become an adult. However, if there is reasonable cause to believe other children, dependent adults, or developmentally disabled persons are or may be at risk of abuse or neglect by the accused, the reporting requirement of subsection (1) of this section shall apply.

(3) Any other person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person has suffered abuse or neglect may report such incident to the proper law enforcement agency or to the department of social and health services as provided in RCW 26.44.040.

(4) The department, upon receiving a report of an incident of alleged abuse or neglect pursuant to this chapter, involving a child or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person who has died or has had physical injury or injuries inflicted upon him or her other than by accidental means or who has been subjected to alleged sexual abuse, shall report such incident to the proper law enforcement agency. In emergency cases, where the child, adult dependent, or developmentally disabled person's welfare is endangered, the department shall notify the proper law enforcement agency within twenty-four hours after a report is received by the department. In all other cases, the department shall notify the law enforcement agency within seventy-two hours after a report is received by the department. If the department makes an oral report, a written report shall also be made to the proper law enforcement agency within five days thereafter.

(5) Any law enforcement agency receiving a report of an incident of alleged abuse or neglect pursuant to this chapter, involving a child or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person who has died or has had physical injury or injuries inflicted upon him or her other than by accidental means, or who has been subjected to alleged sexual abuse, shall report such incident in writing as provided in RCW 26.44.040 to the proper county prosecutor or city attorney for appropriate action whenever the law enforcement agency's investigation reveals that a crime may have been committed. The law enforcement agency shall also notify the department of all reports received and the law enforcement agency's disposition of them. In emergency cases, where the child, adult dependent, or developmentally disabled person's welfare is endangered, the law enforcement agency shall notify the department within twenty-four hours. In all other cases, the law enforcement agency shall notify the department within seventy-two hours after a report is received by the law enforcement agency.

(6) Any county prosecutor or city attorney receiving a report under subsection (5) of this section shall notify the victim, any persons the victim requests, and the local office of the department, of the decision to charge or decline to charge a crime, within five days of making the decision.

(7) The department may conduct ongoing case planning and consultation with those persons or agencies required to report under this section, with consultants designated by the department, and with designated representatives of Washington Indian tribes if the client information exchanged is pertinent to cases currently receiving child protective services or department case services for the developmentally disabled. Upon request, the department shall conduct such planning and consultation with those persons required to report under this section if the department determines it is in the best interests of the child or developmentally disabled person. Information considered privileged by statute and not directly related to reports required by this section shall not be divulged without a valid written waiver of the privilege.

(8) Any case referred to the department by a physician licensed under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW on the basis of an expert medical opinion that child abuse, neglect, or sexual assault has occurred and that the child's safety will be seriously endangered if returned home, the department shall file a dependency petition unless a second licensed physician of the parents' choice believes that such expert medical opinion is incorrect. If the parents fail to designate a second physician, the department may make the selection. If a physician finds that a child has suffered abuse or neglect but that such abuse or neglect does not constitute imminent danger to the child's health or safety, and the department agrees with the physician's assessment, the child may be left in the parents' home while the department proceeds with reasonable efforts to remedy parenting deficiencies.

(9) Persons or agencies exchanging information under subsection (7) of this section shall not further disseminate or release the information except as authorized by state or federal statute. Violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor.

(10) Upon receiving reports of alleged abuse or neglect, the department or law enforcement agency may interview children. The interviews may be conducted on school premises, at day-care facilities, at the child's home, or at other suitable locations outside of the presence of parents. Parental notification of the interview shall occur at the earliest possible point in the investigation that will not jeopardize the safety or protection of the child or the course of the investigation. Prior to commencing the interview the department or law enforcement agency shall determine whether the child wishes a third party to be present for the interview and, if so, shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate the child's wishes. Unless the child objects, the department or law enforcement agency shall make reasonable efforts to include a third party in any interview so long as the presence of the third party will not jeopardize the course of the investigation.

(11) Upon receiving a report of alleged child abuse and neglect, the department or investigating law enforcement agency shall have access to all relevant records of the child in the possession of mandated reporters and their employees.

(12) The department shall maintain investigation records and conduct timely and periodic reviews of all cases constituting abuse and neglect. The department shall maintain a log of screened-out nonabusive cases.

(13) The department shall use a risk assessment process when investigating alleged child abuse and neglect referrals. The department shall present the risk factors at all hearings in which the placement of a dependent child is an issue. The department shall, within funds appropriated for this purpose, offer enhanced community-based services to persons who are determined not to require further state intervention.

The department shall provide annual reports to the legislature on the effectiveness of the risk assessment process.

(14) Upon receipt of a report of alleged abuse or neglect the law enforcement agency may arrange to interview the person making the report and any collateral sources to determine if any malice is involved in the reporting.

(15) The department shall make reasonable efforts to learn the name, address, and telephone number of each person making a report of abuse or neglect under this section. The department shall provide assurances of appropriate confidentiality of the identification of persons reporting under this section. If the department is unable to learn the information required under this subsection, the department shall only investigate cases in which: (a) The department believes there is a serious threat of substantial harm to the child; (b) the report indicates conduct involving a criminal offense that has, or is about to occur, in which the child is the victim; or (c) the department has substantiated a report of abuse or neglect with regard to a member of the household within three years of receipt of the referral.

Sec. 17. RCW 26.44.035 and 1985 c 259 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

If the department or a law enforcement agency responds to a complaint of alleged child abuse or neglect and discovers that another agency has also responded to the complaint, the agency shall notify the other agency of their presence, and the agencies shall coordinate the investigation and keep each other apprised of progress.

The department, each law enforcement agency, each county prosecuting attorney, each city attorney, and each court shall make as soon as practicable a written record and shall maintain records of all incidents of suspected child abuse reported to that person or agency. Records kept under this section shall be identifiable by means of an agency code for child abuse.

Sec. 18. RCW 26.44.040 and 1993 c 412 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:

An immediate oral report shall be made by telephone or otherwise to the proper law enforcement agency or the department of social and health services and, upon request, shall be followed by a report in writing. Such reports shall contain the following information, if known:

(1) The name, address, and age of the child or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person;

(2) The name and address of the child's parents, stepparents, guardians, or other persons having custody of the child or the residence of the adult dependent or developmentally disabled person;

(3) The nature and extent of the alleged injury or injuries;

(4) The nature and extent of the alleged neglect;

(5) The nature and extent of the alleged sexual abuse;

(6) Any evidence of previous injuries, including their nature and extent; and

(7) Any other information which may be helpful in establishing the cause of the child's or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person's death, injury, or injuries and the identity of the alleged perpetrator or perpetrators.

Sec. 19. RCW 26.44.053 and 1996 c 249 s 16 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In any judicial proceeding under this chapter or chapter 13.34 RCW in which it is alleged that a child has been subjected to child abuse or neglect, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the child as provided in chapter 13.34 RCW. The requirement of a guardian ad litem may be deemed satisfied if the child is represented by counsel in the proceedings.

(2) At any time prior to or during a hearing in such a case, the court may, on its own motion, or the motion of the guardian ad litem, or other parties, order the examination by a physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, of any parent or child or other person having custody of the child at the time of the alleged child abuse or neglect, if the court finds such an examination is necessary to the proper determination of the case. The hearing may be continued pending the completion of such examination. The physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist conducting such an examination may be required to testify concerning the results of such examination and may be asked to give his or her opinion as to whether the protection of the child requires that he or she not be returned to the custody of his or her parents or other persons having custody of him or her at the time of the alleged child abuse or neglect. Persons so testifying shall be subject to cross-examination as are other witnesses. No information given at any such examination of the parent or any other person having custody of the child may be used against such person in any subsequent criminal proceedings against such person or custodian concerning the alleged abuse or neglect of the child.

(3) A parent or other person having legal custody of a child alleged to be abused or neglected shall be a party to any proceeding that may impair or impede such person's interest in and custody or control of the child.

Sec. 20. RCW 26.44.060 and 1988 c 142 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, any person participating in good faith in the making of a report pursuant to this chapter or testifying as to alleged child abuse or neglect in a judicial proceeding shall in so doing be immune from any liability arising out of such reporting or testifying under any law of this state or its political subdivisions.

(b) A person convicted of a violation of subsection (4) of this section shall not be immune from liability under (a) of this subsection.

(2) An administrator of a hospital or similar institution or any physician licensed pursuant to chapters 18.71 or 18.57 RCW taking a child into custody pursuant to RCW 26.44.056 shall not be subject to criminal or civil liability for such taking into custody.

(3) Conduct conforming with the reporting requirements of this chapter shall not be deemed a violation of the confidential communication privilege of RCW 5.60.060 (3) and (4), 18.53.200 and 18.83.110. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as to supersede or abridge remedies provided in chapter 4.92 RCW.

(4) A person who, intentionally and in bad faith or maliciously, knowingly makes a false report of alleged abuse or neglect shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable in accordance with RCW 9A.20.021.

Sec. 21. RCW 70.124.040 and 1981 c 174 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Where a report is deemed warranted under RCW 70.124.030, an immediate oral report shall be made by telephone or otherwise to either a law enforcement agency or to the department and, upon request, shall be followed by a report in writing. The reports shall contain the following information, if known:

(a) The name and address of the person making the report;

(b) The name and address of the nursing home or state hospital patient;

(d) The nature and extent of the alleged injury or injuries;

(e) The nature and extent of the alleged neglect;

(f) The nature and extent of the alleged sexual abuse;

(g) Any evidence of previous injuries, including their nature and extent; and

(h) Any other information which may be helpful in establishing the cause of the patient's death, injury, or injuries, and the identity of the perpetrator or perpetrators.

(2) Each law enforcement agency receiving such a report shall, in addition to taking the action required by RCW 70.124.050, immediately relay the report to the department and to other law enforcement agencies, as appropriate. For any report it receives, the department shall likewise take the required action and in addition relay the report to the appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies. The appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies shall receive immediate notification when the department, upon receipt of such report, has reasonable cause to believe that a criminal act has been committed.

Sec. 22. RCW 70.129.030 and 1994 c 214 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The facility must inform the resident both orally and in writing in a language that the resident understands of his or her rights and all rules and regulations governing resident conduct and responsibilities during the stay in the facility. The notification must be made prior to or upon admission. Receipt of the information must be acknowledged in writing.

(2) The resident or his or her legal representative has the right:

(a) Upon an oral or written request, to access all records pertaining to himself or herself including clinical records within twenty-four hours; and

(b) After receipt of his or her records for inspection, to purchase at a cost not to exceed the community standard photocopies of the records or portions of them upon request and two working days' advance notice to the facility.

(3) The facility must inform each resident in writing before, or at the time of admission, and at least once every twenty-four months thereafter of: (a) Services available in the facility; (b) charges for those services including charges for services not covered by the facility's per diem rate or applicable public benefit programs; and (c) the rules of operations required under RCW 70.129.140(2).

(4) The facility must furnish a written description of residents rights that includes:

(a) A description of the manner of protecting personal funds, under RCW 70.129.040;

(b) A posting of names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the state survey and certification agency, the state licensure office, the state ombudsmen program, and the protection and advocacy systems; and

(c) A statement that the resident may file a complaint with the appropriate state licensing agency concerning alleged resident abuse, neglect, and misappropriation of resident property in the facility.

(5) Notification of changes.

(a) A facility must immediately consult with the resident's physician, and if known, make reasonable efforts to notify the resident's legal representative or an interested family member when there is:

(i) An accident involving the resident which requires or has the potential for requiring physician intervention;

(ii) A significant change in the resident's physical, mental, or psychosocial status (i.e., a deterioration in health, mental, or psychosocial status in either life-threatening conditions or clinical complications).

(b) The facility must promptly notify the resident or the resident's representative shall make reasonable efforts to notify an interested family member, if known, when there is:

(i) A change in room or roommate assignment; or

(ii) A decision to transfer or discharge the resident from the facility.

(c) The facility must record and update the address and phone number of the resident's representative or interested family member, upon receipt of notice from them.

Sec. 23. RCW 74.13.031 and 1995 c 191 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The department shall have the duty to provide child welfare services as defined in RCW 74.13.020, and shall:

(1) Develop, administer, supervise, and monitor a coordinated and comprehensive plan that establishes, aids, and strengthens services for the protection and care of homeless, runaway, dependent, or neglected children.

(2) Develop a recruiting plan for recruiting an adequate number of prospective adoptive and foster homes, both regular and specialized, i.e. homes for children of ethnic minority, including Indian homes for Indian children, sibling groups, handicapped and emotionally disturbed, and annually submit the plan for review to the house and senate committees on social and health services. The plan shall include a section entitled "Foster Home Turn-Over, Causes and Recommendations."

(3) Investigate complaints of alleged neglect, abuse, or abandonment of children, and on the basis of the findings of such investigation, offer child welfare services in relation to the problem to such parents, legal custodians, or persons serving in loco parentis, and/or bring the situation to the attention of an appropriate court, or another community agency: PROVIDED, That an investigation is not required of nonaccidental injuries which are clearly not the result of a lack of care or supervision by the child's parents, legal custodians, or persons serving in loco parentis. If the investigation reveals that a crime may have been committed, the department shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency.

(4) Offer, on a voluntary basis, family reconciliation services to families who are in conflict.

(5) Monitor out-of-home placements, on a timely and routine basis, to assure the safety, well-being, and quality of care being provided is within the scope of the intent of the legislature as defined in RCW 74.13.010 and 74.15.010, and annually submit a report delineating the results to the house and senate committees on social and health services.

(6) Have authority to accept custody of children from parents and to accept custody of children from juvenile courts, where authorized to do so under law, to provide child welfare services including placement for adoption, and to provide for the physical care of such children and make payment of maintenance costs if needed. Except where required by Public Law 95-608 (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1915), no private adoption agency which receives children for adoption from the department shall discriminate on the basis of race, creed, or color when considering applications in their placement for adoption.

(7) Have authority to provide temporary shelter to children who have run away from home and who are admitted to crisis residential centers.

(8) Have authority to purchase care for children; and shall follow in general the policy of using properly approved private agency services for the actual care and supervision of such children insofar as they are available, paying for care of such children as are accepted by the department as eligible for support at reasonable rates established by the department.

(9) Establish a children's services advisory committee which shall assist the secretary in the development of a partnership plan for utilizing resources of the public and private sectors, and advise on all matters pertaining to child welfare, licensing of child care agencies, adoption, and services related thereto. At least one member shall represent the adoption community.

(10) Have authority to provide continued foster care or group care for individuals from eighteen through twenty years of age to enable them to complete their high school or vocational school program.

(11) Have authority within funds appropriated for foster care services to purchase care for Indian children who are in the custody of a federally recognized Indian tribe or tribally licensed child-placing agency pursuant to parental consent, tribal court order, or state juvenile court order; and the purchase of such care shall be subject to the same eligibility standards and rates of support applicable to other children for whom the department purchases care.

Notwithstanding any other provision of RCW 13.32A.170 through 13.32A.200 and 74.13.032 through 74.13.036, or of this section all services to be provided by the department of social and health services under subsections (4), (6), and (7) of this section, subject to the limitations of these subsections, may be provided by any program offering such services funded pursuant to Titles II and III of the federal juvenile justice and delinquency prevention act of 1974.

Sec. 24. RCW 74.15.030 and 1995 c 302 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

The secretary shall have the power and it shall be the secretary's duty:

(1) In consultation with the children's services advisory committee, and with the advice and assistance of persons representative of the various type agencies to be licensed, to designate categories of facilities for which separate or different requirements shall be developed as may be appropriate whether because of variations in the ages, sex and other characteristics of persons served, variations in the purposes and services offered or size or structure of the agencies to be licensed hereunder, or because of any other factor relevant thereto;

(2) In consultation with the children's services advisory committee, and with the advice and assistance of persons representative of the various type agencies to be licensed, to adopt and publish minimum requirements for licensing applicable to each of the various categories of agencies to be licensed.

The minimum requirements shall be limited to:

(a) The size and suitability of a facility and the plan of operation for carrying out the purpose for which an applicant seeks a license;

(b) The character, suitability and competence of an agency and other persons associated with an agency directly responsible for the care and treatment of children, expectant mothers or developmentally disabled persons. In consultation with law enforcement personnel, the secretary shall investigate the conviction record or pending charges and dependency record information under chapter 43.43 RCW of each agency and its staff seeking licensure or relicensure. In order to determine the suitability of applicants for an agency license, licensees, their employees, and other persons who have unsupervised access to children in care, and who have not resided in the state of Washington during the three-year period before being authorized to care for children shall be fingerprinted. The fingerprints shall be forwarded to the Washington state patrol and federal bureau of investigation for a criminal history records check. The fingerprint criminal history records checks will be at the expense of the licensee except that in the case of a foster family home, if this expense would work a hardship on the licensee, the department shall pay the expense. The licensee may not pass this cost on to the employee or prospective employee, unless the employee is determined to be unsuitable due to his or her criminal history record. The secretary shall use the information solely for the purpose of determining eligibility for a license and for determining the character, suitability, and competence of those persons or agencies, excluding parents, not required to be licensed who are authorized to care for children, expectant mothers, and developmentally disabled persons. Criminal justice agencies shall provide the secretary such information as they may have and that the secretary may require for such purpose;

(c) The number of qualified persons required to render the type of care and treatment for which an agency seeks a license;

(d) The safety, cleanliness, and general adequacy of the premises to provide for the comfort, care and well-being of children, expectant mothers or developmentally disabled persons;

(e) The provision of necessary care, including food, clothing, supervision and discipline; physical, mental and social well-being; and educational, recreational and spiritual opportunities for those served;

(f) The financial ability of an agency to comply with minimum requirements established pursuant to chapter 74.15 RCW and RCW 74.13.031; and

(g) The maintenance of records pertaining to the admission, progress, health and discharge of persons served;

(3) To investigate any person, including relatives by blood or marriage except for parents, for character, suitability, and competence in the care and treatment of children, expectant mothers, and developmentally disabled persons prior to authorizing that person to care for children, expectant mothers, and developmentally disabled persons. However, if a child is placed with a relative under RCW 13.34.060 or 13.34.130, and if such relative appears otherwise suitable and competent to provide care and treatment the criminal history background check required by this section need not be completed before placement, but shall be completed as soon as possible after placement;

(4) On reports of alleged child abuse and neglect, to investigate agencies in accordance with chapter 26.44 RCW, including child day-care centers and family day-care homes, to determine whether the alleged abuse or neglect has occurred, and whether child protective services or referral to a law enforcement agency is appropriate;

(5) To issue, revoke, or deny licenses to agencies pursuant to chapter 74.15 RCW and RCW 74.13.031. Licenses shall specify the category of care which an agency is authorized to render and the ages, sex and number of persons to be served;

(6) To prescribe the procedures and the form and contents of reports necessary for the administration of chapter 74.15 RCW and RCW 74.13.031 and to require regular reports from each licensee;

(7) To inspect agencies periodically to determine whether or not there is compliance with chapter 74.15 RCW and RCW 74.13.031 and the requirements adopted hereunder;

(8) To review requirements adopted hereunder at least every two years and to adopt appropriate changes after consultation with the child care coordinating committee and other affected groups for child day-care requirements and with the children's services advisory committee for requirements for other agencies; and

(9) To consult with public and private agencies in order to help them improve their methods and facilities for the care of children, expectant mothers and developmentally disabled persons.

Sec. 25. RCW 74.34.050 and 1986 c 187 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A person participating in good faith in making a report under this chapter or testifying about ((~~the~~)) alleged abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult in a judicial proceeding under this chapter is immune from liability resulting from the report or testimony. The making of permissive reports as allowed in RCW 74.34.030 does not create any duty to report and no civil liability shall attach for any failure to make a permissive report under RCW 74.34.030.

(2) Conduct conforming with the reporting and testifying provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed a violation of any confidential communication privilege. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as superseding or abridging remedies provided in chapter 4.92 RCW.

Sec. 26. RCW 74.34.070 and 1995 1st sp.s. c 18 s 87 are each amended to read as follows:

In responding to reports of alleged abuse, exploitation, neglect, or abandonment under this chapter, the department shall provide information to the frail elder or vulnerable adult on protective services available to the person and inform the person of the right to refuse such services. The department shall develop cooperative agreements with community-based agencies servicing the abused elderly and vulnerable adults. The agreements shall cover such subjects as the appropriate roles and responsibilities of the department and community-based agencies in identifying and responding to reports of alleged abuse, the provision of case-management services, standardized data collection procedures, and related coordination activities.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 27. RCW 43.06A.040 and 1996 c 131 s 5 are each repealed.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 28. Sections 8 through 25 of this act apply only to incidents occurring on or after January 1, 1998.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 29. Sections 8 through 25 of this act take effect January 1, 1998.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 30. (1) The sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, from the general fund to the Washington institute for public policy for the purposes of this act.

(2) The sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999, from the general fund to the Washington institute for public policy for the purposes of this act.