Bill > SB6308

This bill aims to increase court oversight during child welfare cases, particularly for children under five, due to a significant rise in critical incidents involving families with open child welfare cases. It allows courts to order specific, least restrictive conditions for parents, guardians, or legal custodians when a child under five is released to their care after a dependency petition is filed, provided there's reasonable cause to believe these conditions are necessary for the child's safety. These conditions, which must be identified by the department of child welfare, need to be culturally appropriate, available, accessible, and, for Indigenous children, consistent with relevant laws. Parents must agree to these conditions, which are reviewed by the court at least every 30 days, and the department must provide necessary referrals within seven days of a parent signing a release of information. The bill also clarifies that a parent's participation in these safety measures does not constitute an admission of abuse or neglect.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6308&Year=2025&Initiative=false