HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2834
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed House:
February 12, 2008
Title: An act relating to modifying a foster parent license due to a change of residence.
Brief Description: Modifying a foster parent license due to a change of residence.
Sponsors: By Representatives Roberts, Kagi and Wood; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief History:
Early Learning & Children's Services: 1/24/08 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/12/08, 96-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Kagi, Chair; Roberts, Vice Chair; Haler, Ranking Minority Member; Walsh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Goodman, Hinkle and Pettigrew.
Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).
Background:
Foster family home licenses issued by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
are issued for the foster family's current home and are location-specific. When a foster
family moves to a new residence, the license remains in effect for an additional two weeks
after the move, but only if the home has a history of acceptable care and the foster family
remains intact. Following the two-week extension, the foster family must undergo the
process of re-licensure at the family's new home. Absent a change in circumstances, foster
family home licenses are issued for a period of three years.
Summary of Bill:
When a foster family moves to a new residence, the license will remains in effect for 30 days
after the foster family moves. This 30-day extension is conditioned on the foster family
remaining intact after the move and the home having had an acceptable history of child care.
Before relocating, the foster family licensee must notify the licensor of the intended move
and may request a continuation of the license at the new location. If the new location and
licensee meet minimum licensing standards, the DSHS must, within 30 days of receiving the
licensee's request for continuation of the license, amend the license to reflect the new
location.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill will update our state laws to give foster parents assurance their license
will continue when they move to a new family home. The bill allows a little more time for
foster parents who may be moving to provide notice and arrange for transfer of the license
without requiring full re-licensing when a family moves to a new home.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Roberts, prime sponsor; and Cheryl Stephani, Department of Social and Health Services - Children's Administration.