The bill amends Washington's child welfare laws to enhance child safety in dependency cases by introducing new criteria for child removal, emphasizing the need for corroborating evidence of dependency and the potential for imminent harm due to abuse or neglect. It establishes that a parent's or guardian's use of certain controlled substances can justify removal and mandates a shelter care hearing within a specified timeframe if a child is removed. The bill also outlines the rights of parents and guardians during these hearings, including legal representation and the opportunity to present testimony, while prioritizing the child's best interests and the possibility of placement with relatives or suitable caregivers.

Additionally, the bill modifies the criteria for out-of-home placements, requiring that if a child is not placed with a relative, they must be placed in licensed foster care, with the court providing reasons for its decisions. It introduces a rebuttable presumption of unavailability for parents whose substance use jeopardizes child safety and requires documented sobriety for at least six months before a child can be returned. The bill also emphasizes the importance of maintaining sibling contact and school placements during removals, changes the standard for law enforcement custody from "probable cause" to "reasonable cause," and outlines new procedures for investigating child abuse allegations, ensuring a more nuanced approach to case assignments and family assessments.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 13.34.050, 13.34.065, 13.34.130, 26.44.050, 26.44.056, 26.44.030