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 Reported by House Committee On:
Early Learning & Children's Services

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: 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].

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Provides for the continuation of a foster family home license when a foster family relocates to a new home.


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.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.