April 27, 2007

OLYMPIA… In a victory for foster families and children, the governor signed Senate Bill 5321 into law Friday. 

Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, proposed the bill which passed unanimously in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.  SB 5321 protects foster 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. 

The bill, part of which will take effect in 90 days and part in 2008, directs DSHS to investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect and classify claims as one of two categories: founded (meaning, based on available evidence, it is likely abuse or neglect did occur) and unfounded (meaning, based on evidence, it most likely DID NOT occur). 

“I’m pleased to be able to provide some relief for foster families in Washington who have been unfairly branded with a stigma,” Carrell said.  “Some families are left hanging for a long time because the department can’t determine if accusations are valid or not.  Simultaneously, DSHS would notify agencies that contract with it that the family was under investigation.  This law will remove that uncertainty and give families the same fair judgment our legal system uses.” 

Until the bill takes effect, DSHS will classify claims as founded, unfounded or inconclusive.  Carrell says because the ‘inconclusive’ classification remains on record, it leaves foster families and potential foster families in limbo, regardless of whether or not abuse or neglect actually occurred.

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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