FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5079

C 6 L 15 E 1

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Requiring the department of social and health services to notify the military regarding child abuse and neglect allegations of families with an active military status.

Sponsors: Senators O'Ban, Conway and Dammeier.

Senate Committee on Human Services, Mental Health & Housing

House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services

Background: The Department of Defense (DOD) is required by law to coordinate with civilian child welfare agencies to obtain information regarding allegations of child abuse and neglect involving children in military families. Within DOD, the Family Advocacy Program addresses prevention of and response to child abuse and neglect involving such families. DOD policy requires military services to establish memorandum of understandings with state and local child protective services (CPS) to collaborate the oversight of child abuse and neglect cases involving military families.

It is estimated that 70 percent of active duty military families reside in the civilian community.

When CPS receives a report of an incident of alleged abuse or neglect involving a child who died or has a physical injury or injuries that are not accidental, or who was subjected to alleged sexual abuse, CPS must report the incident to the proper law enforcement agency.

Summary: CPS must make efforts to determine the military status of parents whose children are subject to abuse or neglect allegations. Upon receiving an allegation of abuse or neglect that involves military parents or guardians, CPS must notify military law enforcement. If an allegation of abuse or neglect involving military parents or guardians is screened in and open for investigation, CPS must notify the DOD Family Advocacy Program.

Votes on Final Passage:

First Special Session