SB 6642-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Promotes family group conferences following shelter care hearings.

Provides that, following shelter care and no later than thirty days prior to fact-finding, the department shall convene a case conference as required in the shelter care order to develop and specify in a written service agreement the expectations of both the department and the parent regarding voluntary services for the parent.

Requires that a shelter care order issued pursuant to RCW 13.34.065 shall include the requirement for a case conference as provided in RCW 13.34.067. However, if the parent is not present at the shelter care hearing, or does not agree to the case conference, the court shall not include the requirement for the case conference in the shelter care order.

Provides that, if the court orders a case conference, the shelter care order shall include notice to all parties and establish the date, time, and location of the case conference which shall be no later than thirty days prior to the fact-finding hearing.

Authorizes the court to order a conference or meeting as an alternative to the case conference required under RCW 13.34.067 so long as the conference or meeting ordered by the court meets all requirements under RCW 13.34.067, including the requirement of a written agreement specifying the services to be provided to the parent.

Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.