The bill amends Washington's child welfare laws to enhance child safety in dependency cases by introducing new criteria for child removal, emphasizing the necessity of corroborating evidence of dependency and the potential for imminent or serious physical harm due to abuse or neglect. It establishes that a parent's or guardian's use of certain controlled substances can justify removal and modifies court hearing requirements to ensure parents are notified and allowed to be heard before custody is taken. The bill also outlines procedures for shelter care hearings, prioritizing placement with relatives or suitable persons over licensed foster care, and mandates that courts consider the child's health, welfare, and safety as paramount.

Additionally, the bill addresses the placement of children in out-of-home care, requiring timely hearings for children placed in qualified residential treatment programs and mandating evidence of a parent's sobriety for at least six months before a child can be returned if removed due to substance exposure. It emphasizes maintaining family connections through regular visitation, clarifies conditions for law enforcement intervention by replacing "probable cause" with "reasonable cause," and broadens the definition of physical harm. The bill also revises the investigation and assessment processes for child abuse allegations, allowing for a more nuanced approach to case assignment and ensuring that families can opt for investigations over assessments when necessary. Overall, the amendments aim to balance child protection with parental rights while ensuring that familial ties are preserved whenever possible.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 13.34.050, 13.34.065, 13.34.130, 26.44.050, 26.44.056, 26.44.030