HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1666

Title:  An act relating to foster parents;  creating new sections;  making an appropriation;  providing an effective date;  and declaring an emergency.

Brief Description:  Increasing the basic reimbursement rate for foster children.

Sponsors:  Representatives McDonald, Kagi, Boldt, Tokuda, Dickerson, Clements, Santos and Mitchell.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Meeting Date:  February 11, 1999.

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

Background: Reimbursement rates for foster parents are established in the biennial operating budget by the legislature.  The rates are not based on the actual cost of raising a child. The Department of Social and Health Services provides foster parents with a basic reimbursement rate, and provides additional reimbursement for exceptional costs and other add ons on a case by case basis.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Social and Health Services will increase the basic foster care reimbursement rate by three dollars per day per child.  The Department will also annually review how the basic foster care rate meets the cost of caring for a foster child.

Appropriation:  $15,330,000.00.

Fiscal Note:  None.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.