S-3542.2  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6202

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      56th Legislature     2000 Regular Session

By Senators Kohl‑Welles, Stevens, Hargrove, Long, Costa, Fairley, McAuliffe and Winsley

Read first time 01/10/2000.  Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

Providing limitations on placement of a child in out-of-home care when a conflict of interest exists.

    AN ACT Relating to conflicts of interest in the placement of children in out-of-home care; and adding a new section to chapter 74.13 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 74.13 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) No child may be placed in out-of-home care under this chapter or chapter 13.34 RCW when there is a conflict of interest on the part of any adult residing in the home in which the child is to be placed.  A conflict of interest exists when:

    (a) There is an adult in the home who, as a result of:  (i) His or her employment; and (ii) an allegation of abuse or neglect of the child, conducts or has conducted an investigation of the allegation; or

    (b) The child has been, is, or is likely to be a witness in any cause of action against any adult in the home when the cause includes:  (i) An allegation of abuse or neglect against the child or any sibling of the child; or (ii) a claim of damages resulting from wrongful interference with the parent-child relationship of the child and his or her biological or adoptive parent.

    (2) The prohibition set forth in subsection (1) of this section may not be waived or deferred by the department under any circumstance or at the request of any person, regardless of who has made the request or the length of time of the requested placement.

                            --- END ---