Bill passes to protect vulnerable adults

COLFAX –– Governor Jay Inslee signed a measure Thursday, April 6, sponsored by Senator Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, to improve adult protective services.

The Bill requires the state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and law enforcement to share information in reports and findings of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect of vulnerable adults.

According to the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, they have had seven cases of elderly abuse between 2021 and 2023.

“Of these cases, one was possible physical abuse, the other cases neglect or possible financial abuse,” Administrative Assistant WCSO Collette Dice reported.

The law created by Senate Bill 5370 also expands the number of mandated reporters to include the Department of Children, Youth, and Families employees, a certified residential service, or a support agency.

Wagoner stated that helping to protect our state’s most vulnerable individuals is one of the core purposes of government.

He further stated that those who are not able to take care of themselves rely on the state to ensure those responsible for their care and well-being are fulfilling their obligation to report any neglect, harm, and exploitation.

“Those identified as ‘mandatory reporters’ are on the front line in this effort,” he added, noting that the law will help make sure they are aware of their critical role and the responsibilities that come with that job.

The new law was passed by the Senate 47-0 and the House 96-0 and will go into effect on July 23, 2023.