FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 2684

                          C 88 L 00

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Clarifying what records are available to the department of social and health services.

Sponsors:  Representatives D. Sommers and Tokuda; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

House Committee on Children & Family Services

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Background:

In a dependency proceeding, in a proceeding under the Family Reconciliation Act, or under a voluntary placement agreement, a child may be placed temporarily outside his or her home.  If so placed, the Department of Social and Health Services must oversee the child's care and supervision.

The department must prepare a "passport" to be given to a foster parent, containing all known and available information concerning the mental, physical, health, and educational status of any child who has been in a foster home for at least 90 consecutive days. 

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Social and Health Services is given access to a child's educational records when the child is temporarily placed outside his or her home.  The written consent of the parent or student must be obtained for the department to release the educational documents to an individual or entity, except if the individual or entity provides residential care for the child.  The educational records are part of the child's "passport."  The department must hold harmless the provider for any unauthorized disclosures caused by the department.

Votes on Final Passage:

House943

Senate450(Senate amended)

House970(House concurred)

Effective:June 8, 2000