The bill seeks to improve the handling of child neglect cases in Washington state by introducing the definition of "chronic child neglect," which is defined by specific thresholds of screened-in cases involving various forms of neglect or a combination of abuse and neglect allegations. It clarifies the responsibilities of professionals and organizations in reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, particularly emphasizing the duty of individuals in supervisory roles to report incidents when they have reasonable cause to believe a child has been harmed. The bill also broadens the range of professionals required to report such incidents, including administrative and academic employees of higher education institutions, and establishes a strict timeline for reporting, mandating that reports be made within 48 hours of reasonable cause.

Furthermore, the legislation amends existing laws to enhance support for families facing chronic neglect. It requires law enforcement agencies to report allegations of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities within specified timeframes and establishes a chronic neglect response team composed of members from various state departments to identify and assist families in need. The bill mandates that families found to be experiencing neglect without abuse receive information on public assistance benefits and resources. It also outlines the responsibilities of the department in conducting investigations and family assessments, ensuring families are informed of their rights and options, and emphasizes the importance of inter-agency collaboration and ongoing reporting to the legislature regarding the effectiveness of the response team and services provided.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 26.44.020, 26.44.030