WA SB5617

Expands the "child in need of services" definition to include juveniles who reasonably believe they will have no parent, guardian, or responsible adult to release them from detention when legal custody ends

Allows juvenile probation officers, detention facilities, or juveniles themselves to file child in need of services petitions with the court to approve out-of-home placement and wrap-around services prior to release from detention

Requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to screen in cases, open intakes, conduct shared planning meetings, and provide family reconciliation services when notified a detained juvenile may need services upon release

Expands the housing stability for youth in crisis program statewide (previously a pilot in six counties) and requires annual reporting by October 1, 2025 on outcomes and recommendations

Directs the Partnership Council on Juvenile Justice to study and recommend modernization of family reconciliation, child in need of services, at-risk youth, and truancy systems, with a report due to the legislature by October 31, 2026