The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the review process of child fatalities and near fatalities in Washington State. It mandates the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to conduct thorough reviews of child fatalities suspected to be caused by abuse or neglect, as well as near fatalities involving children under their care. The department is required to issue reports on these reviews within 180 days, which must be made publicly available on a dedicated website, with certain confidential information redacted as necessary. The bill emphasizes the importance of having an independent review team that has no prior involvement in the cases being examined.

Additionally, the bill introduces specific provisions for the review of near fatalities, including a definition of "near fatality" and the requirement for the department to notify the Office of the Family and Children's Ombuds. It establishes that reports on near fatalities will be published alongside those of fatalities, ensuring consistent public access to information. The bill also outlines the legal protections for the review process, stating that findings from these reviews cannot be used as evidence in civil or administrative proceedings, thereby encouraging candid discussions and analyses within the review teams.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 74.13.640