The bill establishes the Department of Children, Youth, and Families Accountability Board, which aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust in the operations of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). This new board will replace the existing oversight structure and will operate under clarified authority and updated responsibilities, focusing on policy review, performance monitoring, and public transparency. The bill emphasizes the removal of obsolete provisions and aligns oversight activities with current departmental priorities to better serve Washington's children, youth, and families.

The Accountability Board will consist of various members, including legislators, subject matter experts, tribal representatives, and stakeholders with lived experience in the system, ensuring diverse perspectives in its operations. The bill grants the board specific powers, such as receiving reports, accessing relevant records, and conducting annual reviews of department contracts to ensure they are performance-based. Additionally, the board is required to convene stakeholder meetings at least twice a year and issue an annual report to the governor and legislature detailing the department's progress towards performance measures. The bill also includes definitions for key terms and clarifies that the board is subject to confidentiality restrictions similar to those of the office of the family and children's ombuds.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 43.216.015