§ 74.13.320. Recruitment of foster homes and adoptive homes for special needs children
The legislature finds that during the fiscal years 1987 to 1989 the number of children in foster care has risen by 14.3 percent. At the same time there has been a 31 percent turnover rate in foster homes because many foster parents have declined to continue to care for foster children. This situation has caused a dangerously critical shortage of foster homes.
The department of social and health services shall develop and implement a project to recruit more foster homes and adoptive homes for special needs children by developing a request for proposal to licensed private foster care, licensed adoption agencies, and other organizations qualified to provide this service.
The project shall consist of one statewide administrator of recruitment programs, and one or more licensed foster care or adoption agency contracts in each of the six departmental regions. These contracts shall enhance currently provided services and may not replace services currently funded by the agencies. No more than sixty thousand dollars may be spent annually to fund the administrator position.
The agencies shall recruit foster care homes and adoptive homes for children classified as special needs children under chapter 74.08 RCW. The agencies shall utilize their own network of contacts and shall also develop programs similar to those used effectively in other states. The department shall expand the foster-adopt program statewide to encourage stable placements for foster children for whom permanent out-of-home placement is a likelihood. The department shall carefully consider existing programs to eliminate duplication of services.
The department shall assist the private contractors by providing printing services for informational brochures and other necessary recruitment materials. No more than fifty thousand dollars of the funds provided for this section may be expended annually for recruitment materials.
[1990 c 284 § 15.]
Notes:
Finding -- Effective date -- 1990 c 284: See notes following RCW 74.13.250.
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Last modified: April 7, 2009