‘Sirita’s Law,’ on child abuse, goes to governor

Published 9:00 pm Thursday, April 19, 2007

OLYMPIA – Legislation intended to protect children from abusive parents and spurred by the death of 4-year-old Sirita Sotelo cleared its final hurdle Thursday.

The bill known as “Sirita’s Law” will now be sent to Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is expected to sign it.

Sirita was shuffled in and out of foster care. Her father, John Ewell, was eventually awarded custody of the girl.

Sirita died Jan. 21, 2005, at her father’s Lake Stevens home. Her stepmother, Heather Ewell, was sentenced to eight years in prison for the girl’s death.

Heather Ewell beat Sirita to death after the girl wet her pants.

Her death prompted a review of how state social workers oversaw Sirita’s case and resulted in several recommendations.

A task force also was formed to draft legislation to improve child welfare services.

Under the bill, before a child is returned to the home of a parent, the state Department of Social and Health Services must take steps to ensure he or she is safe. This would include conducting background checks of adults living in the home and determining what, if any, special parenting assistance the adults need.

Services could range from anger management to aid for drug and alcohol addiction.

The bill also requires that if a child is removed from his or her home because of allegations of abuse or neglect, is returned home and then is removed again, a court hearing must be held. Termination of parental rights could be considered in this judicial proceeding.

Reporter Diana Hefley contributed to this reporter. Reporter Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com.