Bill > HB1439

This bill aims to update the definitions and guidance around children's advocacy centers in Washington state. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. It defines "children's advocacy center" as a trauma-informed, facility-based program that provides a safe, neutral location for child forensic interviews and coordinates a multidisciplinary approach to addressing the needs of children who have experienced abuse or witnessed violence. 2. It updates the definition of "child forensic interview" to be a developmentally sensitive, legally sound, culturally responsive, fact-finding interview of a child, conducted by a professional with specialized training. 3. It establishes a process for statewide and regional peer review of child forensic interviews, to be hosted by accredited or developing children's advocacy centers, as a quality assurance mechanism. The bill aims to ensure support for children's advocacy centers by more accurately defining the work they do and the tools necessary to support their work, which the legislature finds is crucial in addressing the high rate of children's exposure to violence in Washington and promoting their well-being.