This act amends the legislature to include foster parents and/or other caregivers as suitable placements for a dependent child.
Specifically, RCW 13.34.130 is amended to modify subsection (1)(b)(ii) to specify that DCYF has the authority to place the dependent child in the home of another suitable person if the child or family has a preexisting relationship with that person, which includes a foster parent or other caregiver who has cared for a child under 3 years of age for 9 months or more.
Section 2 of HB 2027 also amends RCW 74.13.600 to expand the definition of “kin” to include any foster parent or other caregiver who has cared for a child under 3 years of age for 9 months or more.
