HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6493

BYSenate Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Senators Patrick, Kreidler, Craswell, Stratton, Conner and Bailey)

Authorizing the appointment of confidential intermediaries in adoption searches.

House Committe on Human Services

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives Sayan, Chair; Scott, Vice Chair; Moyer, Ranking Republican Member; Tate, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Anderson, Brekke, Leonard, Raiter and Winsley.

Minority Report:  Without recommendation.  (1)

      Signed by Representative Hargrove.

House Staff:Dave Knutson (785-7146)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 28, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Adoptees and birth parents often feel the need to locate their biological children or families.  Court procedures to facilitate this process using confidential intermediaries are in place in 36 counties currently.  It is difficult for birth parents to determine which court was involved with their relinquishment because they do not receive an original birth certificate.

SUMMARY:

Adopted persons over 21, or under 20 with the permission of the adoptive parent,  and birth parents or birth parents' families, may petition the court to appoint a confidential intermediary.  The confidential intermediary may search for and contact adoptive persons or birth parents.  Confidential intermediaries must complete an approved training program and submit documentation to the appropriate court.

The Department of Social and Health Services, adoption agencies, and independent adoption facilitators are authorized to release the name and location of the court where a relinquishment of parental rights or finalization of adoption took place to authorized persons.  Birth parents may receive a noncertified copy of the original birth certificate of the adopted child.  Adoptive parents, birth parents, and adoptees may receive nonidentifying information from department or agency adoption files upon a verified written request.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Jane Belt, WARM; Laurie Lippold, Children's Home Society; Julie Peterson; and Maureen Trudell, Foster Parents Association of Washington.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    A process allowing adult adoptees and birth parents to search for each other through court appointed confidential intermediaries is needed.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.