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• Introduced by Sen. Val Stevens, (R-Arlington) (R) on January 22, 2009, provides that if a child has been previously placed in out-of-home care and is subsequently returned to out-of-home care, it shall be placed with a relative. If an appropriate relative is unavailable, the child shall be placed in the previous foster home .
  • Referred to the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee on January 22, 2009.
    • Substitute offered in the Senate on February 23, 2009, to clarify that for a child returning to foster care, placement in a former foster family, rather than just the immediately preceding foster home, is to be given preference by DSHS. The substitute passed in the Senate by voice vote on February 23, 2009.
  • Referred to the Senate Rules Committee on February 23, 2009.
• Passed in the Senate (48 to 0) on March 3, 2009. [Vote Details and Comments]
• Received in the House on March 5, 2009.
  • Referred to the House Early Learning and Children's Services on March 5, 2009.
    • Amendment offered in the House on March 26, 2009, to add a requirement for the court to consider length of stay and the child's attachment to previous caregivers when determining what placement is in the best interests of a child being returned to foster care. The amended bill also clarifies that the bill does not create, but is consistent with, the statutory preference for placing a child needing out-ofhome care with a relative. The amendment passed in the House by voice vote on March 26, 2009.
  • Referred to the House Rules Committee on March 30, 2009.
    • Amendment offered by Rep. Shelly Short, (R-Addy) (R) on April 8, 2009, to clarify that the bill is consistent with existing statute regarding a preference for relative placement in child dependency cases, but does not create such a preference. Requires the DSHS and the court to consider placing the child with a grandparent who has a significant relationship with a child. Establishes that when a relative placement is not available, the second priority for placement is with a foster family with whom the child lived previously if certain conditions are met. Specifies that in determining which placement option is in the child's best interests, the DSHS and the court must weigh the child's length of stay and attachment to the caregivers in previous placements and directs the court to consider a nonexclusive list of factors in selecting the child's placement and determining what is in the child's best interests. The amendment passed in the House by voice vote on April 8, 2009.
• Passed in the House (98 to 0) on April 8, 2009. [Vote Details and Comments]
• Received in the Senate on April 21, 2009, Senate asks House to reconsider amendments. Passed in the Senate by voice vote on April 21, 2009.
• Received to the House on April 23, 2009, House removes previous amendments and offers new amendment to clarify that the bill is consistent with existing statute regarding preferences for placements with a relative or other suitable person in child dependency cases. Establishes that the second priority for placement of a child returned to foster care is with a foster family with whom the child lived previously if certain conditions are met. Passed in the House (95 to 0) on April 23, 2009. [Vote Details and Comments]
• Received to the Senate on April 25, 2009, Senate agrees with House amendment. Passed in the Senate (48 to 0) on April 25, 2009. [Vote Details and Comments]
• Signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire on May 14, 2009, When a child is returned to foster care, DSHS must give preference to placement of the child with a relative. If, after due diligence, DSHS cannot locate an appropriate relative or the relative is unavailable or inappropriate, DSHS must give preference to placement of the child with a foster family in which the child had been previously placed if the foster home is available and willing, is currently appropriate for the child's needs, and the placement is in the best interests of the child.