HB 1280-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Extends the kinship care oversight committee and its duties.

Provides that the oversight committee must consist of a minimum of thirty percent kinship caregivers, who shall represent a diversity of kinship families. Statewide representation with geographic, ethnic, and gender diversity is required.

Provides that other members shall include representatives of the department, representatives of relevant state agencies, representatives of the private nonprofit and business sectors, child advocates, representatives of Washington state Indian tribes as defined under the federal Indian welfare act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.), and representatives of the legal or judicial field. Birth parents, foster parents, and others who have an interest in these issues may also be included.

Requires the kinship care oversight committee to update the legislature and governor annually on committee activities, with the first update due by January 1, 2006.

Expires January 1, 2010.