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. It clarifies the responsibilities of professionals and organizations in reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, particularly emphasizing that individuals in supervisory roles must report any reasonable cause to believe a child has been harmed. The bill also expands the list of mandated reporters to include department of corrections personnel and guardians ad litem, requiring them to report incidents within 48 hours of having reasonable cause.

Furthermore, the legislation introduces new provisions to support families dealing with chronic neglect, including a requirement for the department to provide information on public assistance benefits when neglect is identified without accompanying abuse. It establishes a dedicated interagency team comprising members from various departments to develop a chronic neglect response system, focusing on timely referrals and support. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement and county prosecutors in responding to abuse or neglect allegations, mandates timely communication with the department, and requires the maintenance of investigation records and periodic reviews of founded cases. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the response to child abuse and neglect while ensuring that families receive the necessary support and resources.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 26.44.020, 26.44.030