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Sirita’s Law and Raphael
Gomez Act pass off House floor
Hinkle’s measures inspired by the stories of two
young children
Two bills sponsored by
Rep. Bill Hinkle would bring more accountability to the 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 passed off the House floor today on 96-0 votes.
“We continue to have situations 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, R-Cle Elum. “These
measures are about 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 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 children live in safe environments – 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
situation is safe,” said Hinkle. “We have talented people in law
enforcement whom I believe are able to play a unique 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 it makes a recommendation or
assertion in a dependency or termination of parental rights case.
“House Bill 1334 brings more accountability and better recording
assurances to DSHS. These reports are vital to the courts in determining
the futures of our children and where they may potentially live,” said
Hinkle. “I believe the Raphael Gomez Act will benefit our most
vulnerable children in the state for years to come. These children
deserve all the protections we can provide them.”
The measures are driven by the memories of two children who were killed,
as their stories have inspired Hinkle and other lawmakers to
reform state systems.
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. 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. He was just two years old.
“Many of us have come to know and love these children even though we’ve
never met them personally. Their stories tug at the heart,” said
Hinkle. “Today is an important step in the legislative process in
what will hopefully culminate in two new laws.”
House Bill 1333 –
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1333&year=2007
House Bill 1334 –
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1334&year=2007
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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