April 6, 2007

OLYMPIA… In a 97-0 vote Thursday, the state House of Representatives unanimously passed Sen. Mike Carrell’s child welfare bill.  Senate Bill 5321 would protect families accused of child abuse by requiring the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to make reasonable efforts to investigate the validity of the claim and resolve the case. 

Carrell, R-Lakewood, says he proposed SB 5321 because DSHS would often leave foster families accused of child abuse or neglect in limbo after investigating the claim. 

“I’m pleased to see this legislation pass with so much support,” Carrell said.  “It’s time for foster families in Washington to receive the same fair judgment our judicial system uses by determining either guilt or innocence.” 

DSHS currently has three classifications of claims - founded, unfounded and inconclusive.  If SB 5321 is signed into law, the inconclusive classification will be removed and DSHS will make final determinations as to the validity of accusations based on any evidence collected during an investigation. 

“It’s unfair to families and children to leave potential foster families with a smudge on their record,” Carrell said.  “I look forward to this bill coming back to the Senate where we can pass it again and put it before the governor to sign into law.” 

SB 5321 now goes back to the Senate for concurrence.

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Sen. Mike Carrell represents the 28^th Legislative District, which includes Lakewood, Steilacoom, University Place, DuPont, Fircrest, and parts of Tacoma, Fort Lewis, and McChord Air Force Base.

For more information contact Erich R. Ebel
at (360) 786-7395