6416-S AMH KLIP FORR 241

SSB 6416 - H AMD TO APPG COMM AMD (H-5442.1/10) 1376

By Representative Klippert

WITHDRAWN 3/04/2010

    On page 2, line 11 of the striking amendment, after "parent." insert the following:

    "(8) Notwithstanding the limitation in subsection (1)(e) of this section, a caregiver may petition the court to be heard on the issue of changing the child's placement if the caregiver's petition is supported by a declaration alleging that the reunification or other permanent placement presents a substantial risk of harm to the child's safety, health, or well-being.  A petition filed under this subsection (8) must be filed within the time limits established in subsection (2) of this section.  If the other requirements of subsection (1) of this section are met, the court shall schedule an expedited hearing where the caregiver may be heard on the sole issue of changing the child's placement."

EFFECT:   Allows a caregiver with whom a child has been placed for 12 or more months, to petition the court to be heard on changing the child's placement to reunify the child with his or her parents or to implement the child's permanent plan if the caregiver's petition is accompanied by a declaration alleging that the reunification or other permanent placement presents a substantial risk of harm to the child's safety, health, or well-being. Requires the court to schedule a hearing on the matter according to the same standards established by the striking amendment for other caregiver petitions to be heard on the issue of changing the child's placement.

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