SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5683
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Human Services, February 14, 2023
Title: An act relating to child-specific foster care licenses for placement of an Indian child in the custody of a federally recognized tribe or the tribe's child placing agency.
Brief Description: Concerning child-specific foster care licenses for placement of Indian children.
Sponsors: Senators Kauffman, Hasegawa, Kuderer, Liias, Lovelett, Lovick, Nguyen, Nobles, Pedersen, Salda?a, Schoesler, Stanford, Valdez and Wilson, C..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services: 2/09/23, 2/14/23 [DP-WM].
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows the Department of Children, Youth and Families to issue child-specific foster care licenses for an Indian child's family or extended family members who opt to become licensed for placement of a specific Indian child and that child's siblings or relatives in the custody of an Indian tribe or the tribe's child placing agency.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators Wilson, C., Chair; Kauffman, Vice Chair; Boehnke, Ranking Member; Frame, Nguyen, Warnick and Wilson, J..
Staff: Alison Mendiola (786-7488)
Background:

The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) licenses foster homes. A person can apply to be a foster parent through DCYF's licensing division or through a child placing agency. An applicant must complete required trainings, pass a background check, meet with staff for home visits and interviews, and complete a home study.

 

In 2021, child-specific foster care licenses were created. DCYF may issue a child-specific license to a relative or a suitable person who opts to become licensed for placement of a specific child and that child's siblings or relatives in DCYF's care, custody, and control.  Such individuals must meet all minimum licensing requirements and other criteria DCYF establishes by rule.  
 
For purposes of federal funding, a child-specific license is considered a full license with all of the rights and responsibilities of a foster family home license except that the licensee may only receive placement of specific children.  Placement with a person who holds a child-specific license is subject to DCYF's sole discretion. 
Summary of Bill:

DCYF may issue a child specific license to an Indian child's family or extended family member who opts to become licensed for placement of a specific Indian child and that child's siblings or relatives in the custody of an Indian tribe or the tribe's child placing agency.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO: This  bill is a technical fix to allow for child-specific licenses for an Indian child in the custody of the tribes.  Providing support and resources to families is important.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Claudia Kauffman, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.