| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Early Learning & Children's Services Committee | |
HB 1565
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.
Brief Description: Revising provisions relating to public access to child in need of services and at-risk youth hearings.
Sponsors: Representatives Kagi, Dickerson and Kenney.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/26/07
Staff: Sonja Hallum (786-7092).
Background:
There are several different types of hearings that pertain to the welfare of children. Some of the
hearings that pertain to children include child in need of services (CHINS), at-risk youth (ARY),
dependency, and termination hearings.
CHINS proceedings may be initiated by a parent or child to request the court to approve or
continue an out-of-home placement. An ARY proceeding may be initiated by a parent who seeks
assistance from the court in maintaining parental control over his or her child. Dependency and
termination proceedings are generally initiated by the state in cases where the state is alleging the
parent is not providing sufficiently appropriate care for his or her child and the state is seeking to
intervene in the relationship.
CHINS, ARY, dependency and termination hearings have traditionally been closed to the public
largely due to the sensitive nature of matters that are often discussed about the children and
families involved in the cases. However, states have been increasingly moving towards opening
these hearings to the public. In 1993, the Washington Legislature required that the public not be
excluded from any dependency or termination hearings unless the judge finds that excluding the
public is in the best interests of the child.
CHINS and ARY hearings remain closed to the public.
Summary of Bill:
Child in need of services hearings are required to be open to the public unless the judge finds that
excluding the public is in the best interests of the child. At-risk youth hearings are required to be
open to the public unless the judge finds that excluding the public is in the best interests of the
child or a parent requests the hearing to be closed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.