Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Children & Family Services Committee

ESSB 5995

Brief Description:  Providing for information sharing among the courts, providers, divisions, and agencies serving dependent children and their families.

Sponsors:  By Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Long, Hargrove and Stevens).

Brief Summary of Bill

$The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is required to establish and use guidelines designed to facilitate communication of relevant information among the various interested parties in child dependency cases.

$Law enforcement must notify DSHS when a child is present at the site of a methamphetamine lab.

Hearing Date:  3/28/01

Staff:  Deborah Frazier (786‑7152).

Background: 

The fatality review team charged with the responsibility of investigating the recent death of a child involved in a dependency action issued a report that included recommendations for improvements to the services system.

The report cited the need for timely and appropriate distribution of information among the parties involved in child dependency cases.

Summary of Bill: 

DSHS is required to establish and use guidelines designed to facilitate communication of relevant information among the various interested parties in child dependency cases.

Law enforcement must notify DSHS when a child is present at the site of a methamphetamine lab.

The guidelines must be consistent with state and federal laws on confidentiality.  The provisions of the bill do not create a private cause of action.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.  New fiscal note requested on March 27, 2001.

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