BILL REQ. #:  H-4474.1 

Read first time 01/23/2006.   Referred to Committee on Children & Family Services.

     AN ACT Relating to retention of records regarding child abuse and neglect; and adding a new section to chapter 26.44 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 26.44 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided in RCW 26.44.031, the department shall retain records regarding child abuse or neglect referrals that result in a finding of inconclusive or for which there is not sufficient evidence to make a determination, for not less than twenty years. The department shall retain indefinitely the records regarding:
     (a) Referrals that result in a founded complaint or for which the evidence indicates that more likely than not the abuse or neglect allegations were accurate; and
     (b) Referrals that result in a termination of parental rights.
     (2) Records must be maintained in such a manner that the department can identify persons by name and date of birth, or by any other means permitted by law. The department shall conduct a search of the records retained under this section for decisions related to child care licenses, adoptions, and out-of-home placements.