HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1737

Title:  An act relating to permanency planning and adoption advocates;  and creating a new section.

Brief Description: Reallocating social worker positions to create permanency planning and adoption advocates.

Sponsors:  Representative Boldt.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Meeting Date:  February 18, 1999.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Dave Knutson  (786-7146).

Background:  A concern has been raised that children in foster care stay in placement too long.  If additional attention was paid to implementing a permanency plan of family reunification or adoption, children would spend less time in foster care placements.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Social and Health Services is directed to reallocate six existing social worker positions into permanency planning and adoption advocates.  These staff would be directed to implement children=s permanency plans more quickly than is currently the case.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  None.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.