FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6500

C 73 L 20

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Addressing foster care licensing following a foster-family home licensee's move to a new location.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Human Services, Reentry & Rehabilitation (originally sponsored by Senators Padden, Darneille, Nguyen and Wilson, C.).

Senate Committee on Human Services, Reentry & Rehabilitation

House Committee on Human Services & Early Learning

Background: Foster Care Licenses. Foster care licenses are subject to a number of conditions, including that the license is limited to a particular location stated on the license. For licensed foster-family homes that have an acceptable history of child care, the license may remain in effect for 30 days after a move, provided the family remains intact. Licensees must notify their licensor before moving to a new location and may request a continuation of the license at a new location.

At the request of the licensee, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) must, within 30 days following a foster-family home licensee's move to a new location, amend the license to reflect the new location, provided the new location and the licensee meet minimum licensing standards.

Summary: The Legislature finds that at least 46 foster homes were closed between 2017 and 2019 due to the licensee's failure to notify DCYF of a change in residence within 30 days of relocation.

Foster home licensees with no children placed in their care at the time of a relocation may notify their licensor after moving. The licensor shall continue the license if the licensee is in good standing at the time of the move, the new location meets minimum licensing standards, and a home inspection is completed within 30 days of the notice to the licensor. During this time, such licensees are on a no-referral status and no new placements may be made until the new location is approved by the licensor.

Votes on Final Passage: