Bill > HB1193

This bill increases protections for child welfare workers by making three key changes. First, it amends the assault statute to specifically add child welfare workers to the list of professionals who are afforded special protection from assault while performing their official duties, making such an assault a third-degree felony. Second, it formally defines "child welfare worker" in state law as an employee of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families whose job includes supporting or providing child welfare or child protective services. Third, the bill establishes a new provision allowing child welfare workers to request accompaniment by a second trained individual (such as a law enforcement officer, mental health professional, first responder, or supervisory child welfare worker) when they are required to respond to a private home or location where they have concerns about potential violence. The bill also mandates that the department cannot retaliate against a child welfare worker for making such a safety request. Additionally, the bill requires that child welfare worker training include de-escalation strategies and provides for optional annual in-service training on these strategies. These provisions aim to enhance the safety and support of child welfare workers who often work in potentially challenging and high-stress environments.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1193&Year=2025&Initiative=false