SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1588

BYRepresentatives Anderson, Winsley, Brekke, Leonard, Jacobsen, Cole, Crane and Rust

Revising certain procedures governing dependency proceedings.

House Committe on Human Services

Senate Committee on Children & Family Services

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 24, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Kiskaddon, Chairman; Bailey, Vice Chairman; Fleming, Garrett, Stratton.

Senate Staff:Jennifer Strus (786-7472)

                  February 25, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES, FEBRUARY 24, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Currently there is no person or party specified as to who may file a termination of parental rights petition.  The termination petition is filed after dependency has been found for a child. The petition for dependency can be filed by any person.

When a petition for dependency has been filed, the parent, legal guardian or custodian of the child is issued a summons to appear in court for the dependency proceedings.  When that summons cannot be delivered through personal service, provision for publication is made.

The Washington State Code Review Panel recommends two housekeeping changes to the dependency statute to clarify who may file a termination petition and smooth the technical process for announcing a summons to appear for dependency proceedings.

SUMMARY:

A petition to terminate parental rights may be filed by the department or any licensed child placing agency that is a party to the dependency action.

Notice by publication may proceed at the same time as personal service and service by mail, but only for good cause shown and only when there is reason to believe that personal service or service by mail will be unsuccessful.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

A petition to terminate parental rights may be filed by any party to the dependency proceedings.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: No one