The bill aims to address the growing issue of child exposure to violence in Washington State by updating the definitions and guidance surrounding children's advocacy centers and child forensic interviews. It emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach coordinated by children's advocacy centers, which enhances interagency communication and reduces trauma for child victims. The bill recognizes that the existing definitions were established over 20 years ago and are outdated, necessitating revisions to better reflect the current practices and needs of child victims of abuse and violence.

Key amendments include a redefinition of "child forensic interview" to emphasize a culturally responsive, fact-finding approach that is part of a multidisciplinary response to child abuse investigations. The bill also establishes a new section that mandates statewide and regional peer reviews of child forensic interviews to ensure quality assurance and support for interview methodologies. These peer reviews will utilize recordings of closed cases while maintaining strict confidentiality protocols. Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition for "children's advocacy centers of Washington," which is a membership organization aimed at supporting the development and sustainability of advocacy centers and child protection teams in the state.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 26.44.020
Bill as Passed Legislature: 26.44.020
Session Law: 26.44.020