The bill seeks to exempt attorney employees at higher education institutions from the mandatory reporting requirements for child abuse and neglect when such information is acquired during the provision of legal representation to clients. It introduces a new section that underscores the necessity of maintaining client confidentiality, particularly for attorneys supervising law students in clinical settings. The legislation acknowledges that the duty to report child abuse should not infringe upon the attorney-client privilege, which is vital for effective legal representation. Amendments to RCW 26.44.030 clarify that while employees of higher education institutions are generally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect, this obligation does not extend to attorneys or their supervised employees in the context of client representation.

Additionally, the bill outlines various procedures for the Department of Children and Family Services regarding allegations of child abuse and neglect, emphasizing voluntary participation in family assessment responses and requiring parental consent for services. It mandates that parents be informed of their rights and options, establishes protocols for interviewing children during investigations, and specifies that if a report of abuse or neglect is founded as the third within twelve months for the same child or family, the department must notify the office of the family and children's ombuds. The bill also ensures that no findings of abuse or neglect will be recorded in family assessment responses, and it requires the department to maintain investigation records, conduct periodic reviews, and assess the military status of parents involved in allegations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 26.44.030
Substitute Bill: 26.44.030
Bill as Passed Legislature: 26.44.030
Session Law: 26.44.030