SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6500

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Human Services, Reentry & Rehabilitation (originally sponsored by Senators Padden, Darneille, Nguyen and Wilson, C.).

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

Allows foster home licensees who move to a new location and have no children placed in their care at the time of the move to maintain their license subject to specific conditions.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6500 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Darneille, Chair; Nguyen, Vice Chair; Walsh, Ranking Member; Cleveland, O'Ban, Wilson, C. and Zeiger.

Background: Foster Care Licenses. Foster care licenses are subject to a number of conditions, including that the license is limited to a particular location stated on the license. For licensed foster-family homes that have an acceptable history of child care, the license may remain in effect for 30 days after a move, provided the family remains intact. Licensees must notify their licensor before moving to a new location and may request a continuation of the license at a new location.

At the request of the licensee, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) must, within 30 days following a foster-family home licensee's move to a new location, amend the license to reflect the new location, provided the new location and the licensee meet minimum licensing standards.

Summary of First Substitute Bill: The Legislature finds that at least 46 foster homes were closed between 2017 and 2019 due to the licensee's failure to notify DCYF of a change in residence within 30 days of relocation.

Foster home licensees with no children placed in their care at the time of a relocation may notify their licensor after moving. The licensor shall continue the license if the licensee is in good standing at the time of the move, the new location meets minimum licensing standards, and a home inspection is completed within 30 days of the notice to the licensor. During this time, such licensees are on a no-referral status and no new placements may be made until the new location is approved by the licensor.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: This bill is really about an administrative change. This does not impact a huge number of foster families but we need all the quality homes we can get. When recruiting, it is much easier to convince a licensed home to continue their license than find a new family. One licensed foster home without any children placed in their care at the time, sold their home, moved and once they got settled in contacted their licensor. They were surprised to find because it was beyond 30 days they would have to start the licensing process over from the beginning including all paperwork, something they are not interested in pursuing. Know of others in the same situation.