Bill > HB1544

This bill mandates that the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) conduct a study to enhance its risk, strengths, and needs assessment tool used when investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect, with the goal of identifying family risks, strengths, and needs to guide appropriate services, specifically addressing risks associated with substance use disorders and high-potency synthetic opioids like fentanyl, as well as domestic violence, and ensuring culturally appropriate services and the incorporation of evidence-based practices to combat cultural bias. The DCYF is required to report its progress on this study to the legislature by November 1, 2026, and this new section of law will expire on August 1, 2027. Additionally, the bill reenacts and amends RCW 26.44.030, which outlines the reporting requirements for child abuse and neglect, and introduces a provision requiring the risk assessment process to be certified at least every three years by either the office of innovation, alignment, and accountability or an outside researcher, based on current academic standards for assessment validation.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1544&Year=2025&Initiative=false