FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1183

                                  C 281 L 89

BYHouse Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Kremen, Bristow, Patrick, Scott, Holland, Leonard, Braddock, Brekke, Zellinsky, Phillips, Spanel, Silver and Wineberry)

Requiring that certain information be provided to adopting parents.

House Committe on Human Services

Senate Committee on Children & Family Services

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Persons and agencies caring for minor children or placing them for adoption are required to provide reasonably available medical reports containing information on any handicaps the child may have to the prospective adoptive parent(s).  Such reports are to be made available to parents who have already adopted a child as well.  While these reports may not reveal the identity of the natural parents, they are to include any reasonably available medical history of the natural parents which is necessary for the health care of the child.

There is no requirement for a current medical evaluation of the child or for a background or social history including psychiatric reports regarding the family.

The Department of Social and Health Services administers the Adoption Assistance program for adoptive parents with special needs children.  The program is only available if applied for prior to adoption of the child.

SUMMARY:

Persons and agencies caring for minor children or placing them for adoption are encouraged to provide all available medical reports to the prospective parent as well as parents who have already adopted in order to assist in the parents maximizing the child's development potential.

The medical report shall include, where available, a comprehensive medical evaluation of the child which includes the medical history of the natural family and the child, a physical examination of the child by a licensed medical practitioner, and referrals to specialists as needed.

Persons and agencies caring for minor children or placing them for adoption shall provide a complete family background and child and family social history report to prospective adoptive parent(s).  Such reports shall be made available to those who have already adopted as well.

The Department of Social and Health Services is required to provide written information on the Department's adoption-related services.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 98   0

      Senate    44     0 (Senate amended)

      House 97   0 (House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989