SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5964

As of February 20, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the office of the family and children's ombudsman.

Brief Description:  Monitoring state agency procedures to protect children's health and safety in institutions, facilities, and residences and disseminating information about the family and children's ombudsman.

Sponsors:  Senators Kohl‑Welles, Hargrove, Long, Costa, Carlson, Franklin, Gardner, Rasmussen and Fraser.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections: 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff:  Edith Rice (786‑7444)

Background:  The Office of the Family and Children's Ombudsman has responsibility for providing information regarding services to families and children, as well as investigating complaints regarding a wide variety of related services provided by the Department of Social and Health Services.

Summary of Bill:  Responsibilities of the Office of the Family and Children's Ombudsman are  clarified to include monitoring of child care facilities and residences licensed by the state.  An appropriation is made to fund this function.

Children's Administration offices, other institutions and facilities which serve children are required to post information about the Office of the Family and Children's Ombudsman.  Similar information must be provided to foster parents and children 12 years of age and older, who come under the care of a state operated facility.

Appropriation:  $175,000.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 20, 2001.

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