Bill > HB2171

This bill aims to improve support and protection for foster youth by establishing several key initiatives. The Washington State Patrol and Department of Children, Youth, and Families will create an endangered foster youth alert system that issues statewide alerts within 24 hours of a foster youth being reported missing, using multiple media channels to help locate them. Each county will develop rapid response teams comprising law enforcement, department representatives, and local advocacy groups to quickly respond to missing foster youth reports. The bill creates a foster youth empowerment account in the state treasury to provide services to former foster youth for up to 10 years after leaving the foster care system, including trauma therapy, emergency recovery support, and peer mentorship. Additionally, the Office of the Family and Children's Ombuds will establish a foster youth survivor and advocacy oversight board composed of former foster youth, trauma experts, and department representatives to review cases of missing or deceased foster youth and provide annual recommendations for improving their care and protection. The bill also updates existing training requirements for foster parents and child welfare workers to include information on preventing and responding to missing or runaway foster children. Overall, the legislation seeks to address the high rates of trauma experienced by foster youth and create a more comprehensive, trauma-informed system to support their safety and well-being.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2171&Year=2025&Initiative=false