The bill amends Washington state law to improve support for guardianships and voluntary placements with nonrelative kin. It establishes that licensed foster parents who have cared for a child for at least six consecutive months prior to the guardianship order are eligible for a guardianship subsidy. The bill clarifies conditions under which a child can qualify for these subsidies, such as being placed with a guardian who has been licensed for at least six months or is already receiving a subsidy for a sibling. Importantly, it states that eligibility for federal foster care reimbursement is not a requirement for state-funded guardianship assistance payments.

Further provisions include the department's authority to adopt rules for the management of state and federal funds and to implement a subsidy program for court-appointed guardians. The bill allows for the waiving of certain licensing standards for relatives seeking guardianship and emphasizes promoting long-term permanency for children. It introduces a voluntary placement agreement process that prioritizes placements with relatives or suitable persons over licensed foster care. Additionally, the bill defines "kinship caregiver" and includes specific provisions for Indian children, while encouraging collaboration with legal aid programs to enhance legal support for families in the child welfare system.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 13.36.090, 74.13.062, 74.13.031
Substitute Bill: 13.36.090, 74.13.062, 74.13.031
Engrossed Substitute: 13.36.090, 74.13.062, 74.13.031
Bill as Passed Legislature: 13.36.090, 74.13.062, 74.13.031
Session Law: 13.36.090, 74.13.062, 74.13.031