SB 5079 requires the Dept. of Social and Health Services, upon receiving a report of an incident of child abuse or neglect, to notify military law enforcement, if appropriate. This is in addition to the other entities already receiving such a report. Further, the bill directs the Department of Social and Health Services to make efforts, as soon as practicable, to determine the military status of parents whose children are subject to abuse or neglect allegations. If it is determined that the parent/guardian is in the military, the Dept. must notify a Department of Defense family advocate program.
SB 5079 is the companion bill to HB 1150.
As passed by the legislature, SB 5079 does the following:
- Requires the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to forward reports of physical or sexual abuse of a child to military law enforcement if appropriate.
- Requires the DSHS to notify a Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program regarding certain child abuse and neglect allegations that involve a child whose parent is in the military.