The bill aims to codify the rights of children and youth in foster care in Washington State, establishing a new section in chapter 74.13 RCW. It emphasizes the importance of a statutory declaration of rights to enhance the health, well-being, and safety of these young individuals. The rights outlined include dignity and respect, appropriate placement with knowledgeable foster care providers, connections to their community, access to education and extracurricular activities, personal belongings, and essential documents upon aging out of the system.
Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to create a pamphlet by September 1, 2025, detailing the rights of youth in foster care and the department's responsibilities. This pamphlet must be concise, reference available resources, and include emergency contact information for caseworkers. It is required to be distributed to all foster youth upon entering care and made accessible on the department's website.