The bill aims to enhance the well-being of dependent children in Washington State by emphasizing the importance of relational permanency alongside legal permanency. It introduces a new section that outlines the necessity for dependency courts to ensure that young people leaving foster care maintain long-term relationships with various individuals, including family members, mentors, and former foster families. The bill acknowledges that while legal permanency through reunification, guardianship, or adoption is crucial, it does not solely guarantee secure attachments and lifelong relationships, which are vital for a child's overall well-being.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 13.34.820 to require the administrative office of the courts to compile an annual report on dependency outcomes, including measures of relational permanency and child well-being. This report will be submitted to the legislature and will include plans for tracking and reporting on child well-being, data-sharing agreements, and the number of children in dependency with incarcerated parents. The bill also allows for the execution of data-sharing agreements with various state departments to facilitate the collection of necessary data for evaluating the relational permanency and well-being of dependent children.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 13.34.820
Substitute Bill: 13.34.820
Second Substitute: 13.34.820
Engrossed Second Substitute: 13.34.820
Bill as Passed Legislature: 13.34.820
Session Law: 13.34.820