The bill amends RCW 74.13.270 to eliminate the requirement for the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to conduct an outcome evaluation of the short-term support services provided by case aides to foster families. This evaluation was intended to assess the impact of these services on the retention of foster homes, the number of placements a foster child receives, and the return on investment for the state. The specific language regarding this evaluation has been deleted from the current law.

In addition to the removal of the evaluation requirement, the bill maintains the provision for short-term support through case aides, which are designed to assist licensed foster parents with temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities. The nonprofit community-based organizations will continue to manage the provision of these aides, ensuring they are appropriately trained and qualified. The bill also clarifies that costs associated with case aides will not be included in the financial forecast, and it emphasizes that performance-based contracting for these services is mandated by the legislature.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 74.13.270
Bill as Passed Legislature: 74.13.270
Session Law: 74.13.270