BILL REQ. #:  S-0988.1 

Read first time 02/20/09.   Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

     AN ACT Relating to foster parent training on autistic children; and amending RCW 74.13.310.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 74.13.310 and 1990 c 284 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Adequate foster parent training has been identified as directly associated with increasing the length of time foster parents are willing to provide foster care and reducing the number of placement disruptions for children. Placement disruptions can be harmful to children by denying them consistent and nurturing support. Foster parents have expressed the desire to receive training in addition to the foster parent SCOPE training currently offered. Foster parents who care for more demanding children, such as children with severe emotional, mental, or physical handicaps, would especially benefit from additional training. The department shall develop additional training for foster parents that focuses on skills to assist foster parents in caring for ((emotionally, mentally, or physically handicapped)) children with mental, emotional, or physical disabilities.
     (2) No later than January 1, 2010, the department shall develop for inclusion into its current foster parent training program a section devoted to the characteristics, management of, and needs of children with autism.