Adoption bill - the fatal Hana Williams tragedy

[countryjake]

Adoption bill aims to prevent cases like the fatal Hana Williams tragedy

http://www.goskagit.com/all_access/adoption-bill-aims-to-prevent-cases-like-the-fatal-hana/article_b6e599a2-65bb-5550-8065-401a71074a3b.html


OLYMPIA — Lawmakers here will soon vote on a measure to tighten the rules around adoption, a bill that was inspired in part by the abuse that led to the death of a Sedro-Woolley child and the convictions of her adoptive parents.

Larry and Carri Williams were sentenced to 27 and 36 years in prison, respectively, for convictions stemming from the 2011 death by abuse of their young teenage adopted Ethiopian daughter, Hana, as well as abuse of their pre-teen adopted Ethiopian son.

That case was one of 15 similar cases that were included in the Office of Family and Children’s Ombudsman’s September 2012 Severe Abuse of Adopted Children report.

Rep. Mary Helen Roberts, D-Lynnwood, the prime sponsor of House Bill 1675, said it may not be able to prevent such abuses in all cases, but will give the state more chances to check a home’s fitness for a child before an adoption is finalized.


Hana's Story: An adoptee's tragic fate, and how it could happen again

http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2013/11/hana_williams_the_tragic_death_of_an_ethiopian_adoptee_and_how_it_could.html