HB 1487 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

     Declares that foster parents have the right to be free of coercion, discrimination, and reprisal from the department and department employees in serving foster children, including the right to voice grievances about treatment furnished or not furnished to the foster child.

     Provides that no department employee may retaliate against a foster parent or in any other manner discriminate against any foster parent because:  (1) The foster parent made a complaint with the office of family and children's ombudsman, the attorney general, law enforcement agencies, or the department, provided information, or otherwise cooperated with the investigation of such a complaint;

     (2) the foster parent has caused to be instituted any proceedings under or related to Title 13 RCW;

     (3) the foster parent has testified or is about to testify in any such proceedings;

     (4) the foster parent has advocated for services on behalf of the foster child;

     (5) the foster parent has sought to adopt a foster child in the foster parent's care; or

     (6) the foster parent has discussed or consulted with anyone concerning the foster parent's rights under this chapter or chapter 74.15 or 13.34 RCW.

     Provides that a department employee who violates this provision is subject to a civil penalty of not more than three thousand dollars.

     Requires the department to reimburse foster parents for property damaged or destroyed by foster children placed in their care.  The department shall reimburse the foster parent for the replacement value of any property covered by this provision.

     Provides that, if a decision is made by the department or a child-placing agency to move a child to another placement, the foster family parent or relative care provider shall receive written notice of his or her right to request a review of the removal decision regarding a child that is residing in the home of the foster parent or relative under a court order entered in a proceeding under chapter 74.13 RCW through the department's complaint resolution process.