SSB 5431 -
By Representative Kagi
ADOPTED 04/23/2009
On page 1, line 9, after "child." insert "Pursuant to RCW 13.34.060 and 13.34.130, placement of the child with a relative or other suitable person is the preferred option."
Beginning on page 1, line 14, after "care," strike all material
through "and the" on page 2, line 3, and insert "and the department
cannot locate an appropriate and available relative or other suitable
person, the preferred placement for the child is in a foster family
home where the child previously was placed, if the following conditions
are met:
(a) The foster family home is available and willing to care for the
child;
(b) The foster family is appropriate and able to meet the child's
needs; and
(c) The"
On page 2, after line 3, insert the following:
"NEW SECTION. Sec. 2 A new section is added to chapter 13.34 RCW
to read as follows:
If a child has been previously placed in out-of-home care and is
subsequently returned to out-of-home care, and the department cannot
locate an appropriate and available relative or other suitable person,
the preferred placement for the child is in a foster family home where
the child previously was placed, if the following conditions are met:
(1) The foster family home is available and willing to care for the
child;
(2) The foster family is appropriate and able to meet the child's
needs; and
(3) The placement is in the best interest of the child."
Correct the title.
EFFECT: (1) Clarifies that the bill is consistent with existing
statute regarding preferences for placements with a relative or other
suitable person in child dependency cases.
(2) Establishes that the second priority for placement of a child
returned to foster care is with a foster family with whom the child
lived previously if certain conditions are met.