WA HB1544

Department of Children, Youth, and Families must conduct a study to improve its risks, strengths, and needs assessment tool used in child abuse and neglect investigations, focusing on identifying family risks, cultural strengths, and appropriate service paths

Assessment tool improvements must address risk of harm when substance use disorder or high potency synthetic opioids like fentanyl are present in the home, incorporating guidance from the Department of Health

Study must ensure the assessment tool incorporates evidence-based practices to address cultural bias and supports caseworkers in transitioning families to culturally appropriate services

Department must report findings to the legislature by November 1, 2025, including feedback from the office of tribal relations

Risk assessment process must be certified at least once every three years based on current academic standards for assessment validation, either by the office of innovation, alignment, and accountability or an outside researcher