WA HB1659

Raises the age limit for children entering early childhood court programs from under 3 to under 6 years old at time of case entry

Authorizes courts to use early childhood court funding to provide upstream supports, services, and resources to families at risk of entering the dependency system before a dependency case is filed

Federal funding for the early childhood court program is available through September 2027 and the program is currently operating below capacity

Acknowledges the historical and ongoing impact of systemic racism in child welfare, particularly affecting Black, Indigenous, and marginalized families, and aims to promote equitable and culturally sensitive practices