Proposed Rules Archives

• Proposed New Rule JuCR 11.3 - Notice to Foster Parents, Preadoptive Parents or Relative Caregivers (in Word Format)
• Comments Received for JuCR 11.3 - Notice to Foster Parents, Preadoptive Parents or Relative Caregivers

Proposed New Rule
JuCR 11.3
NOTICE TO FOSTER PARENTS, PREADOPTIVE PARENTS and RELATIVE CAREGIVERS

Purpose: Federal law requires the highest state court to have in effect a rule requiring state courts to ensure that foster parents, preadoptive parents and relative caregivers of a child in foster care under the responsibility of the state are notified of any proceeding to be held with respect to the child. (P.L. 109-239). The “Safe and Timely Interstate Placement of Foster Children Act of 2006” also gives foster parents, preadoptive parents and relative caregivers the right to be heard in those proceedings. The suggested rule would put Washington State in compliance with federal law. More importantly, it would ensure that those caring for our children in the foster care system under the responsibility of the Department of Social and Health Services receive timely notice of hearings so they may exercise their right to be heard by the court regarding those children. The federal law was signed July 3, 2006, and took effect October 1, 2006.