WA HB1028

Updates the statutory definition of "children's advocacy center" to reflect modern trauma-informed, facility-based programs that follow national accreditation standards and coordinate multidisciplinary responses to child abuse allegations

Revises the definition of "child forensic interview" to specify it must be developmentally sensitive, legally sound, culturally responsive, and conducted by professionals with specialized training in research-based forensic interview models

Establishes "Children's Advocacy Centers of Washington" as the recognized state chapter organization supporting the development and sustainability of advocacy centers and multidisciplinary child protection teams

Authorizes the use of child forensic interview recordings from closed cases for confidential peer review quality assurance, with mandatory confidentiality agreements for all participants

Effective July 27, 2025; passed House 94-2 and Senate 47-2