Griffin v. Department of Social & Health Services

This case was certified by the Court of Appeals. Appellants, John and Kristen Griffin, the natural parents of a mentally and physically handicapped child, challenge the authority of respondent Department of Social and Health Services (Department) to bill them for a portion of the cost of foster care. We affirm the departmental charge.

The parties appear to agree that in June 1969, on the recommendation of physicians at the University of Washington, John Griffin, Jr. (Johnny), then 11 years of age, was placed in the Rainier School for the Retarded (Rainier) under voluntary admission procedures.…