WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Rep. Freeman’s statement on Governor Inslee signing his bill to help parents with disabilities into law

 Aaron Barna “This new law is a victory for us all, but especially for parents with disabilities. Parenting is hard. As a father of two, I understand the difficulties. For a parent with disabilities, the challenges are even greater. This bill will give them access to the services they and their children deserve.

Parents with disabilities are a distinct community of Americans who struggle – solely because of their status – to retain custody of their children. We know that child removal rates for parents who have a psychiatric disability are as high as 70 to 80 percent and for parents with an intellectual disability, 40 to 80 percent. This is unjust.

We know the best place for children is with their parents. But some parents need a little extra help. This law recognizes that and provides a new level of appreciation and respect to parents with disabilities.  We have a long road ahead to ensure all Washington’s families are treated equally, but this bill is a big step in the right direction.”