Raffy bill to protect abused children

Hinkle sponsors two laws

OLYMPIA — Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, is sponsoring two bills inspired by Raphael Gomez and Sirita Sotelo to help protect abused children.

"Many of us have come to know and love these children even though we've never met them personally," Hinkle said. "Today is the first step in what will hopefully culminate in two pieces of important legislation being passed into laws."

Gomez was a 2-year-old who was placed in foster care and later returned to live with his mother. He died of blunt force trauma to his head while in her care, he said. The birth mother Maribel Gomez continues her trial for charges of homicide by abuse and first-degree manslaughter in Grant County Superior Court.

Sotelo was a 4-year-old who was in foster care and returned to her stepmother and father. While in their care she died of blunt force trauma to her midsection and head, Hinkle said.

"We continue to have unfortunate situations in our communities in which children must be removed from their homes and placed in foster care. We want this transition to be justified, secure and healthy for these children," he said. "And if they are returned to their parents, we want to make sure these children are entering safe environments."

The Raphael Gomez Act requires the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to provide documentation to the courts if a decision is made regarding the termination or dependency of a parental rights case.

"These reports are vital to the courts in determining the futures of children and where they will live," he said. "This measure will benefit our most vulnerable children for years to come."

Sirita's Law requires DSHS to determine necessary services for caregivers and perform background checks before putting children back in their homes. Annual child abuse and neglect training is required of law enforcement. The bill encourages law enforcement and DSHS to work together.

"It's important we are certain that children have safe and secure homes, whether it is with their parents, guardians or foster parents," he said. "While we hope children can be reunited with their biological parents, it can only be done if the environment is safe. We have very talented people in law enforcement whom I believe can play a vital role in helping abused children."