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Sirita’s Law and Raphael
Gomez Act pass out of House committee
Hinkle’s measures inspired by stories of two young
children who were murdered
Two bills sponsored by
Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, would bring more accountability to the
state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), allow its
employees to work more closely with better trained law enforcement, and
help ensure abused and neglected children are placed in safe homes.
House Bills 1333 and
1334 are inspired by the stories of Sirita Sotelo and Raphael Gomez
– two young children murdered in abusive homes – and were passed out of
the House Early Learning and Children’s Services Committee today.
“We continue to have unfortunate situations in our communities in which
children must be removed from their homes and placed in foster care. We
want this transition to be justified, secure and healthy for these
children. And if they are returned to their parents, we want to make
sure these children are entering safe environments,” said Hinkle. “House
Bills 1333 and 1334 are focused on bringing more accountability to DSHS,
requiring background checks of caregivers, and involving law enforcement
in more comprehensive ways.”
House Bill 1333, Sirita’s Law, would require DSHS to conduct background
checks and determine services needed for caregivers prior to placing
children in their homes. The measure would also require annual training
of law enforcement on child abuse and neglect, and encourage new
collaboration with DSHS.
“It’s important we are certain that children have safe and secure homes
– whether it is with their parents, guardians or foster parents. While
we hope children can be reunited with their biological parents, it can
only be done if the environment is safe,” said Hinkle. “We have very
talented people in law enforcement whom I believe can play a vital role
in helping abused children. House Bill 1333 encourages a new
relationship between law enforcement and DSHS, with an emphasis on new
training for our officers.”
House Bill 1334, the Raphael Gomez Act, would require DSHS to submit
documentation to the courts whenever is makes a recommendation or
assertion in a dependency or termination of parental rights case.
“House Bill 1334 brings more accountability and better recording
mechanisms to DSHS. These reports are vital to the courts in determining
the futures of children and where they will live,” said Hinkle. “This
measure will benefit our most vulnerable children for years to come.”
The measures are driven by the memories of two children who were
murdered as their stories have inspired Hinkle and many other lawmakers
to request important changes in state systems.
“Many of us have come to know and love these children even though we’ve
never met them personally,” said Hinkle. “Today is the first step in
what will hopefully culminate in two pieces of important legislation
being passed into laws.”
Sirita Sotelo was a young girl placed in foster care. She was
transitioned to live with her father and stepmother. Sirita died of
blunt force trauma to her head and midsection while in their care. She
was just four years old.
Raphael Gomez, from Hinkle’s 13th District, was a young boy also placed
in foster care. He was returned to live with his mother. Raphael died of
blunt force trauma to his head while in her care. He was just two years
old.
Hinkle can be contacted at (360) 786-7808 or
hinkle.bill@leg.wa.gov.
For more information on Hinkle visit:
http://www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/Hinkle/
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