(1) A foster parent who believes that a department or supervising agency employee has retaliated against the foster parent or in any other manner discriminated against the foster parent because:

     (a) The foster parent made a complaint with the office of the family and children's ombudsman, the attorney general, law enforcement agencies, the department, or the supervising agency, provided information, or otherwise cooperated with the investigation of such a complaint;

     (b) The foster parent has caused to be instituted any proceedings under or related to Title 13 RCW;

     (c) The foster parent has testified or is about to testify in any proceedings under or related to Title 13 RCW;

     (d) The foster parent has advocated for services on behalf of the foster child;

     (e) The foster parent has sought to adopt a foster child in the foster parent's care; or

     (f) The foster parent has discussed or consulted with anyone concerning the foster parent's rights under this chapter or chapter 74.15 or 13.34 RCW, may file a complaint with the office of the family and children's ombudsman.

     (2) The ombudsman may investigate the allegations of retaliation. The ombudsman shall have access to all relevant information and resources held by or within the department by which to conduct the investigation. Upon the conclusion of its investigation, the ombudsman shall provide its findings in written form to the department.

     (3) The department shall notify the office of the family and children's ombudsman in writing, within thirty days of receiving the ombudsman's findings, of any personnel action taken or to be taken with regard to the department employee.

     (4) The office of the family and children's ombudsman shall also include its recommendations regarding complaints filed under this section in its annual report pursuant to RCW 43.06A.030. The office of the family and children's ombudsman shall identify trends which may indicate a need to improve relations between the department or supervising agency and foster parents.

[2009 c 520 § 82; 2009 c 491 § 11; 2004 c 181 § 1.]

NOTES:

     Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2009 c 491 § 11 and by 2009 c 520 § 82, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).