The bill aims to enhance protections for child welfare workers in Washington State by amending existing laws and introducing new provisions. It specifically adds child welfare workers to the list of individuals protected under the assault in the third degree statute, making it a felony to assault them while they are performing their official duties. The definition of a "child welfare worker" is clarified to include employees of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families who provide child welfare or protective services. Additionally, the bill mandates that child welfare workers can request to be accompanied by a second trained individual when responding to potentially dangerous situations, ensuring their safety during home visits.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of training for child welfare workers, requiring that minimum training standards include de-escalation strategies. It also outlines the need for ongoing specialized training related to domestic violence and trauma-informed care. The department is tasked with developing evidence-informed curricula and providing support to supervisors of child welfare workers to enhance their leadership skills. Overall, the legislation seeks to create a safer working environment for child welfare workers while ensuring they are adequately trained to handle the complexities of their roles.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9A.36.031, 74.14B.010