Bill > HB2497

This bill aims to address a significant increase in child fatalities and near-fatalities related to maltreatment by strengthening support for families that have had a child welfare response. Key provisions include increasing court oversight for children under four during the shelter care phase, expanding access to legal counsel and parent allies for at-risk pregnant individuals or those with newborns, and fostering collaboration between state agencies to improve behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment for families involved with child welfare services. The bill also seeks to enhance the connection to community-based services, provide public health nurses to support parents of young children under investigation, mandate specialized training for child welfare supervisors on risk and safety assessments, and request recommendations from a work group on court processes for child welfare cases without removal. Additionally, it expands access to the parent-child assistance program in high-need areas to offer intensive case management and recovery support for parents struggling with substance abuse.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2497&Year=2025&Initiative=false