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Sirita’s Law and Raphael
Gomez Act pass Senate
Hinkle-sponsored 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 passed out of the state Senate
yesterday. The measures are inspired by the stories of Sirita Sotelo and
Raphael Gomez – two young children murdered in abusive homes.
“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 children are returned to their parents, we want to make
sure they 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.
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.
The measures are driven by the memories of two children who were
murdered, as their stories have inspired the 13th District lawmakers and
others to request important changes in state systems.
“Young children are the most vulnerable of all citizens and legislation
to better protect them was long overdue,” said
Sen. Janéa Holmquist, R-Moses Lake. “It is an absolute
tragedy what happened to Sirita Sotelo and Raphael Gomez. It is our
deepest hope that through increased awareness and additional protections
for children like those offered in these proposals we will never again
be confronted by these types of horror stories.”
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 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.
“I promised in my first floor speech to protect the interests of the
children of our state,” said Rep.
Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake. “Both of these bills will ensure
that our most vulnerable children who are involved with state programs
will be more adequately represented and cared for with better
coordination between DSHS, law enforcement and the courts.”
Hinkle can be contacted at (360) 786-7808 or
hinkle.bill@leg.wa.gov
Holmquist can be contacted at (360) 786-7624 or
holmquist.janea@leg.wa.gov
Warnick can be contacted at (360) 786-7932 or
warnick.judy@leg.wa.gov
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