FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5512

                          C 344 L 97

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Prohibiting requiring the admission of guilt to receive treatment in child abuse and neglect.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Stevens, Hargrove, Benton, Haugen, Strannigan, Hochstatter, Rasmussen, Schow and Oke).

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

House Committee on Children & Family Services

Background:  In a dependency proceeding the court requires that an individual who, while acting in a parental role, has physically or sexually abused a child and has been removed from the home to complete the necessary treatment and education to protect the child from future abuse.  The court may require the individual to continue treatment as a condition for remaining in the home where the child resides.

Summary:  Unless a parent, custodian, or guardian is convicted of a crime for acts of abuse, they cannot be required to admit guilt in order to begin fulfilling court-ordered treatment or educational programs.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 48 0

House     98 0 (House amended)

Senate    45 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 27, 1997