Raphael Gomez Act and Sirita's Law pass senate

OLYMPIA — Two bills inspired by the mistreatment and deaths of two children passed the senate Thursday.

The bills require accountability from the Department of Social and Health Service (DSHS), require background checks on caregivers, ensure neglected youth are not placed in dangerous homes and encourage a relationship between law enforcement and social workers.

"If children are returned to their parents, we want to make sure they are entering safe environments," said bill sponsor Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum.

Raphael "Raffy" Gomez died of blunt force trauma to the head at the hands of his mother Maribel Gomez when he was two years old. The mother was sentenced to more than 26 years in prison Monday for abusing Raffy.

Sirita Sotelo died of blunt force trauma to the head and midsection at age four while in the care of her father and stepmother.

"Young children are the most vulnerable of all citizens and legislation to better protect them was long overdue," Sen. Janea Holmquist, R-Moses Lake, said. "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."

Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, vows to protect children.

"Both of these bills will ensure that our most vulnerable children who are involved with the state programs will be more adequately represented and cared for with better coordination between DSHS, law enforcement and the courts," Warnick said.