The bill amends RCW 26.44.050 to enhance the protection of children from imminent risk of harm due to abuse or neglect. It establishes that law enforcement officers may take a child into custody without a court order if there is probable cause to believe that such action is necessary to prevent imminent physical harm. The bill also allows law enforcement agencies or the department investigating reports of abuse to photograph the child to document their physical condition.

Significantly, the bill introduces new provisions requiring law enforcement to immediately take a child into custody upon receiving a report from the department when there is probable cause of imminent harm. Additionally, the department is mandated to notify law enforcement immediately under similar circumstances, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The bill clarifies that evidence of imminent physical harm may include the department's assessment that a child's home is unsafe to enter.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 26.44.050