HB 1121 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

     Declares that, for purposes related to permanency planning:  (1) "Guardianship" means a dependency guardianship pursuant to chapter 13.34 RCW, a legal guardianship pursuant to chapter 11.88 RCW, or equivalent laws of another state or a federally recognized Indian tribe.

     (2) "permanent legal custody" means legal custody pursuant to chapter 26.10 RCW or equivalent laws of another state or of a federally recognized Indian tribe.

     Provides that continued juvenile court jurisdiction under chapter 13.34 RCW shall not be a barrier to the entry of an order establishing a legal guardianship or permanent legal custody when: (1) The court has ordered implementation of a permanency plan that includes legal guardianship or permanent legal custody; and

     (2) the party pursuing the legal guardianship or permanent legal custody is the party identified in the permanency plan as the prospective legal guardian or custodian.