This bill authorizes the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to evaluate the outcomes related to assessment practices used by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in screening-in cases. The legislature has noted a decline in the statewide dependency filing rate since 2016, alongside an increase in critical incidents, prompting the need to understand the relationship between the screening tools employed by DCYF and their impact on dependency initiation and out-of-home placements.

The bill establishes a new section in chapter 13.34 RCW, outlining the responsibilities of the Washington State Institute for Public Policy. It mandates the institute to assess the use of screening tools for child welfare referrals, focusing on their effects on various outcomes, including family assessments, service provision, and child safety incidents. The institute is required to report preliminary findings to the legislature and DCYF by December 1, 2026, and to provide comprehensive findings by September 1, 2027. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for cooperation from DCYF and the Washington State Family and Children's Ombuds to ensure access to necessary data and resources for the evaluation.