WA SB6319

Beginning January 1, 2027, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families may keep child welfare cases open beyond the standard 90-day investigation limit for up to nine months when cases involve children under age four, are deemed high-risk, involve high-potency synthetic opioids, and do not meet the threshold for removal

Starting August 1, 2027, the department must work with stakeholders including peer navigators, behavioral health navigators, parent allies, and community-based organizations to develop policies on appropriate engagement length, service interventions, and dependency petition decisions

Services offered to families during assessments must include referrals to community-based intensive home visiting programs, including home builders, where available and appropriate

The Office of the Family and Children's Ombuds must submit a report to the legislature and governor by November 15, 2029, evaluating cases kept open longer than 90 days under this provision, including case outcomes, services offered, and recommendations

The reporting and evaluation provisions expire April 1, 2030