Brief Description: Extending the period for evaluation for identification of long-term needs of children entering the foster care system.

Sponsors: Representatives Delvin, Boldt, Kagi and Kenney.

Hearing Date: 2/2/04

Staff: Cynthia Forland (786-7152).

Background:

The Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services is required to conduct an evaluation of all children within the foster care agency caseload to identify those children who are likely to need long-term care or assistance because they face physical, emotional, medical, mental, or other long-term challenges. In addition, all children entering the foster care system must be evaluated for identification of long-term needs within 30 days of placement.

In response to this evaluation requirement, the Children's Administration of the Department of Social and Health Services has implemented a standardized, validated approach, known as Kidscreen, to assessing children in foster care within the first 30 days of placement. Kidscreen consists of screening in five life domains: physical/medical, developmental, family/social, educational, and emotional/behavioral. For children placed from January 1, 2003 through April 30, 2003, the average number of days to complete a Kidscreen was 45 days.

Summary of Bill:

The period of time within which all children entering the foster care system must be evaluated for identification of long-term needs is extended to within 45 days of placement.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.