SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5968

BYSenators Vognild, Smith, Stratton and Niemi

Regarding foster care.

Senate Committee on Children & Family Services

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 27, 1989; February 28, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5968 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Smith, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Stratton, Vognild.

Senate Staff:Carol Pedigo (786-7417)

                  February 28, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES, FEBRUARY 28, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Due to reports of deterioration in the foster care program and alarming cost overruns, the Governor established a Task Force on Foster Care to review the foster care delivery system and department policies.  The task force made 20 draft recommendations, some of which are incorporated in this bill.

The responsibility to determine whether or not a child should be removed from his or her home and placed in foster care is made by the child's caseworker and the caseworker's supervisors.  Currently there are no objective guidelines to assist them in determining whether or not the placement is in the best interests of the child.

The Department of Social and Health Services has a very successful risk assessment tool currently in existence for child protective services cases.  Proponents of the bill believe a similar program should be established for foster care placement guidelines.

Experts believe foster homes should be assisted in developing their ability to deal with the difficult to care for children currently in the foster care system.

Foster family homes are currently licensed for a three-year period.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is required to develop a standardized tool for assessing and reviewing the need for out-of-home placement.  The guidelines should include specifics regarding initial placement as well as ongoing placement evaluations.  The department is to report on the development of the guidelines by December 1, 1989.

Licenses for foster family homes shall be issued for a two year period, and foster family homes are subject to on-site quarterly monitoring by department licensing staff.

A new six month probationary license for foster families is established.  During the six month probationary period, the department is to monitor the performance of the foster parents and assist them to develop their strengths and interests as foster parents.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Monitoring of foster homes is required semi-annually, but DSHS and private licensing agencies are allowed to use their discretion to reduce the monitoring to an annual basis for specified homes.  The department may also terminate probationary licenses for any reason at any time.

The department is required to recommend services for foster parents to assist them in developing their skills as foster parents.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Donald Knapp, President, Foster Parents Association (pro); John Weeden, DSHS Foster Parent Program Manager (pro)