SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2819
BYHouse Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Brekke, Hargrove, Padden, Sayan, Jones, Tate, Valle, Prentice, Rayburn, Day, P. King, May, Winsley, Leonard, Walker, Scott, H. Myers, Rector, Cooper, Rasmussen and Van Luven)
Creating a children's ombuds.
House Committe on Human Services
Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations
Senate Committee on Children & Family Services
Senate Hearing Date(s):February 15, 1990; February 21,
Majority Report: Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators Smith, Chairman; Bailey, Stratton, Vognild.
Senate Staff:Jan Sharar (786-7747)
February 22, 1990
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES, FEBRUARY 21, 1990
BACKGROUND:
The Division of Children and Family Services within the Department of Social and Health Services receives more citizen complaints than any other organization in the agency. It is difficult to investigate and resolve many of these complaints brought by parents.
SUMMARY:
The director of the Department of Community Development will appoint a person to investigate complaints and resolve disputes involving child welfare services provided by the Department of Social and Health Services and any citizen bringing a complaint. The person appointed to investigate and resolve complaints will maintain a toll-free hotline, have access to records, maintain the confidentiality of records where required by federal or state law, interview appropriate people, and prepare recommendations to resolve complaints.
Appropriation: $90,000 to the Department of Community Development
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: none requested
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:
An annual report from the ombuds to committees of the Legislature on complaints investigated, recommendations made and actions taken is required.
Senate Committee - Testified: PRO: Janice Nielson, WACAP; Maureen Trudell, Foster Parents Association of WA; Malcolm Wardil, citizen; CON: Katherine Briar, DSHS