Bill > SB6007

This bill authorizes the Washington State Institute for Public Policy, a state agency that conducts research and analysis, to evaluate the effectiveness of screening practices used by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). The DCYF is responsible for child welfare services, and "screening" refers to the initial assessment of child welfare referrals to determine if further action is needed. The bill is prompted by a legislative finding that while the rate of dependency filings (legal cases to protect children) has decreased since 2016, there has been an increase in critical incidents involving children. Therefore, the Institute will examine how DCYF's screening tools and processes impact outcomes such as family assessment response, the initiation of services, dependency filings, out-of-home placements, repeat referrals, and child fatalities or near fatalities. The Institute is required to report its preliminary findings by December 1, 2026, and its final findings by September 1, 2027, with the cooperation of DCYF and the Washington State Family and Children's Ombuds.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6007&Year=2025&Initiative=false