SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6814

BYSenate Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Senator Smith)

Concerning dependency proceedings and termination of parental rights.

Senate Committee on Children & Family Services

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1990

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6814 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Lidia Mori (786-7755)

                February 13, 1990)

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 12, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Some members of the Legislature have heard disturbing reports from parents whose children were removed from their home by Department of Social and Health Services' Child Protective Services workers.  The parents report that the children were removed in a manner which provided the parents with almost no information on the status of the child or how to proceed to regain custody of their child.

SUMMARY:

Any notice of appeal or notice for discretionary review related to a proceeding concerning dependency of a child or termination of a parent and child relationship must be signed by the person seeking the review or the person's guardian-ad-litem.  A sworn, written declaration by the person's attorney stating that the person has requested the attorney to file the notice and pursue appellate review is also acceptable.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   FOR:  Lee Ann Miller, Assistant Attorney General for DSHS; Steve Ross, Washington Defender's Association