reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.336 - Extended foster care services.

RCW 74.13.336
Extended foster care services.
(1) A youth who has reached age eighteen years may request extended foster care services authorized under RCW 74.13.031 at any time before he or she reaches the age of twenty-one years if:
(a) The dependency proceeding of the youth was dismissed pursuant to RCW 13.34.267(4) at the time that he or she reached age eighteen years; or
(b) The court, after holding the dependency case open pursuant to RCW 13.34.267(1), has dismissed the case because the youth became ineligible for extended foster care services.
(2)(a) Upon a request for extended foster care services by a youth pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, a determination that the youth is eligible for extended foster care services, and the completion of a voluntary placement agreement, the department shall provide extended foster care services to the youth.
(b) In order to continue receiving extended foster care services after entering into a voluntary placement agreement with the department, the youth must agree to the entry of an order of dependency within one hundred eighty days of the date that the youth is placed in extended foster care pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement.
(3) A youth may enter into a voluntary placement agreement for extended foster care services. A youth may transition among the eligibility categories identified in RCW 74.13.031 while under the same voluntary placement agreement, provided that the youth remains eligible for extended foster care services during the transition.
(4) "Voluntary placement agreement," for the purposes of this section, means a written voluntary agreement between a nonminor dependent who agrees to submit to the care and authority of the department for the purposes of participating in the extended foster care program.
[ 2018 c 34 § 4; 2013 c 332 § 5.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2018 c 34: See note following RCW 13.34.267.
Findings—Recommendations—Application—2013 c 332: See notes following RCW 13.34.267.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.338 - Driver's license support for foster youth.

RCW 74.13.338
Driver's license support for foster youth.
(1) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall contract with a private nonprofit organization that agrees to work collaboratively with independent living providers and the department and is selected after a competitive application process to provide driver's license support for foster youth, including youth receiving extended foster care services.
(2) The nonprofit organization selected pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall provide support for foster youth ages fifteen through twenty-one, including youth receiving extended foster care services, in navigating the driver's licensing process. This support must include:
(a) Reimbursement of fees necessary for a foster youth to obtain a driver's instruction permit, an intermediate license, and a standard or enhanced driver's license, including any required examination fees, as described in chapter 46.20 RCW;
(b) Reimbursement of fees required for a foster youth to complete a driver training education course, if the foster youth is under the age of eighteen, as outlined in chapter 46.82 or 28A.220 RCW;
(c) Reimbursement of the increase in motor vehicle liability insurance costs incurred by foster parents, relative placements, or other foster placements adding a foster youth to his or her motor vehicle liability insurance policy, with a preference on reimbursements for those foster youth who practice safe driving and avoid moving violations and at-fault collisions.
(3) By December 1, 2019, the nonprofit organization selected pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall submit a report to the department and the appropriate committees of the legislature, including the transportation committees of the legislature, documenting the number of foster youth served by the program; the average cost per youth served; the extent to which foster youth report any negative outcomes of the program, including a foster parent's inappropriate use of a foster youth's driving authorization; and recommendations for future policy or statutory or funding changes necessary to more effectively allow foster youth to obtain drivers' licenses and motor vehicle liability insurance.
[ 2017 c 206 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.505 - Disclosure of child welfare records—Information to be disclosed.

RCW 74.13.505
Disclosure of child welfare records—Information to be disclosed.
For purposes of RCW 74.13.500, the following information shall be disclosable:
(1) The name of the abused or neglected child;
(2) The determination made by the department of the referrals, if any, for abuse or neglect;
(3) Identification of child protective or other services provided or actions, if any, taken regarding the child named in the report and his or her family as a result of any such report or reports. These records include but are not limited to administrative reports of fatality, fatality review reports, case files, inspection reports, and reports relating to social work practice issues; and
(4) Any actions taken by the department in response to reports of abuse or neglect of the child.
[ 1997 c 305 § 3.]
NOTES:
Conflict with federal requirements—1997 c 305: See note following RCW 74.13.500.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.510 - Disclosure of child welfare records—Consideration of effects.

RCW 74.13.510
Disclosure of child welfare records—Consideration of effects.
In determining under RCW 74.13.500 whether disclosure will be contrary to the best interests of the child, the secretary, or the secretary's designee, must consider the effects which disclosure may have on efforts to reunite and provide services to the family.
[ 1997 c 305 § 4.]
NOTES:
Conflict with federal requirements—1997 c 305: See note following RCW 74.13.500.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.515 - Disclosure of child welfare records—Fatalities.

RCW 74.13.515
Disclosure of child welfare records—Fatalities.
For purposes of RCW 74.13.500(1)(d), the secretary must make the fullest possible disclosure consistent with chapter 42.56 RCW and applicable federal law in cases of all fatalities of children who were in the care of, or receiving services from, the department at the time of their death or within the twelve months previous to their death.
If the secretary specifically determines that disclosure of the name of the deceased child is contrary to the best interests of the child's siblings or other children in the household, the secretary may remove personally identifying information.
For the purposes of this section, "personally identifying information" means the name, street address, social security number, and day of birth of the child who died and of private persons who are relatives of the child named in child welfare records. "Personally identifying information" shall not include the month or year of birth of the child who has died. Once this personally identifying information is removed, the remainder of the records pertaining to a child who has died must be released regardless of whether the remaining facts in the records are embarrassing to the unidentifiable other private parties or to identifiable public workers who handled the case.
[ 2018 c 284 § 56; 2009 c 520 § 85; 2005 c 274 § 352; 1997 c 305 § 5.]
NOTES:
Conflict with federal requirements—1997 c 305: See note following RCW 74.13.500.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.520 - Disclosure of child welfare records—Information not to be disclosed.

RCW 74.13.520
Disclosure of child welfare records—Information not to be disclosed.
Except as it applies directly to the cause of the abuse or neglect of the child and any actions taken by the department in response to reports of abuse or neglect of the child, nothing in RCW 74.13.500 through 74.13.515 is deemed to authorize the release or disclosure of the substance or content of any psychological, psychiatric, therapeutic, clinical, or medical reports, evaluations, or like materials, or information pertaining to the child or the child's family.
[ 1997 c 305 § 6.]
NOTES:
Conflict with federal requirements—1997 c 305: See note following RCW 74.13.500.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.525 - Disclosure of child welfare records—Immunity from liability.

RCW 74.13.525
Disclosure of child welfare records—Immunity from liability.
The department, when acting in good faith, is immune from any criminal or civil liability, except as provided under RCW 42.56.550, for any action taken under RCW 74.13.500 through 74.13.520.
[ 2018 c 284 § 57; 2009 c 520 § 86; 2005 c 274 § 353; 1997 c 305 § 7.]
NOTES:
Conflict with federal requirements—1997 c 305: See note following RCW 74.13.500.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.530 - Child placement—Conflict of interest.

RCW 74.13.530
Child placement—Conflict of interest.
(1) No child may be placed or remain in a specific out-of-home placement under this chapter or chapter 13.34 RCW when there is a conflict of interest on the part of any adult residing in the home in which the child is to be or has been placed. A conflict of interest exists when:
(a) There is an adult in the home who, as a result of: (i) His or her employment; and (ii) an allegation of abuse or neglect of the child, conducts or has conducted an investigation of the allegation; or
(b) The child has been, is, or is likely to be a witness in any pending cause of action against any adult in the home when the cause includes: (i) An allegation of abuse or neglect against the child or any sibling of the child; or (ii) a claim of damages resulting from wrongful interference with the parent-child relationship of the child and his or her biological or adoptive parent.
(2) For purposes of this section, "investigation" means the exercise of professional judgment in the review of allegations of abuse or neglect by: (a) Law enforcement personnel; (b) persons employed by, or under contract with, the state; (c) persons licensed to practice law and their employees; and (d) mental health professionals as defined in chapter 71.05 RCW.
(3) The prohibition set forth in subsection (1) of this section may not be waived or deferred by the department under any circumstance or at the request of any person, regardless of who has made the request or the length of time of the requested placement.
[ 2018 c 284 § 58; 2009 c 520 § 87; 2001 c 318 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.540 - Independent living services.

RCW 74.13.540
Independent living services.
Independent living services include assistance in achieving basic educational requirements such as a high school equivalency certificate as provided in RCW 28B.50.536, enrollment in vocational and technical training programs offered at the community and vocational colleges, and obtaining and maintaining employment; and accomplishing basic life skills such as money management, nutrition, preparing meals, and cleaning house. A baseline skill level in ability to function productively and independently shall be determined at entry. Performance shall be measured and must demonstrate improvement from involvement in the program. Each recipient shall have a plan for achieving independent living skills by the time the recipient reaches age twenty-one. The plan shall be written within the first thirty days of placement and reviewed every ninety days. A recipient who fails to consistently adhere to the elements of the plan shall be subject to reassessment by the professional staff of the program and may be declared ineligible to receive services.
[ 2013 c 39 § 30; 2001 c 192 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.550 - Child placement—Policy of educational continuity.

RCW 74.13.550
Child placement—Policy of educational continuity.
(1) It is the policy of the state of Washington that, whenever practical and in the best interest of the child, children who are the subject of a dependency proceeding shall remain enrolled in their schools of origin.
(2) For the purposes of this section, "children who are the subject of a dependency proceeding" means a child or youth who is located in Washington state and the subject of a shelter care or dependency order pursuant to chapter 13.34 RCW, and "school of origin" means the school in which a child is enrolled at the time of placement in foster care. If a child's foster care placement changes, the school of origin must be considered the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of the placement change.
[ 2022 c 78 § 8; 2003 c 112 § 2.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2003 c 112: "The legislature finds that the educational attainment of children in foster care is significantly lower than that of children not in foster care. The legislature finds that many factors influence educational outcomes for children in foster care, including the disruption of the educational process because of repeatedly changing schools.
The legislature recognizes the importance of educational stability for foster children, and encourages the ongoing efforts of the department of social and health services and the office of the superintendent of public instruction to improve educational attainment of children in foster care. It is the intent of the legislature that efforts continue such as the recruitment of foster homes in school districts with high rates of foster care placements, the development and dissemination of informational materials regarding the challenges faced by children in foster care, and the expansion to other school districts of best practices identified in pilot projects." [ 2003 c 112 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.560 - Educational continuity—Protocol development.

RCW 74.13.560
Educational continuity—Protocol development.
(1) The administrative regions of the department shall, in collaboration with school districts within their region as required by RCW 28A.225.360, develop protocols specifying specific strategies for communication, coordination, and collaboration regarding the status and progress of children in out-of-home care placed in the region, and children in the region who are the subject of a dependency proceeding. The purpose of the protocols is to maximize the educational continuity and achievement for the children. The protocols must include methods to assure effective sharing of information, consistent with RCW 28A.225.330.
(2) The protocols required by this section must also include protocols for making best interest determinations for students in out-of-home care, and children who are the subject of a dependency proceeding that comply with RCW 28A.225.350. The protocols for making best interest determinations must be implemented before changing the school placement of a student.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "children who are the subject of a dependency proceeding" means a child or youth who is located in Washington state and the subject of a shelter care or dependency order pursuant to chapter 13.34 RCW, and "out-of-home care" has the same meaning as in RCW 13.34.030.
[ 2022 c 78 § 9. Prior: 2018 c 284 § 59; 2018 c 139 § 4; 2009 c 520 § 88; 2003 c 112 § 3.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2018 c 139: See note following RCW 28A.225.350.
Findings—Intent—2003 c 112: See note following RCW 74.13.550.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.580 - Educational stability during shelter care hearing—Protocol development.

RCW 74.13.580
Educational stability during shelter care hearing—Protocol development.
The department shall work with the administrative office of the courts to develop protocols to ensure that educational stability is addressed during the shelter care hearing.
[ 2003 c 112 § 5.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2003 c 112: See note following RCW 74.13.550.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.590 - Tasks to be performed based on available resources.

RCW 74.13.590
Tasks to be performed based on available resources.
The department shall perform the tasks provided in RCW 74.13.550 through 74.13.580 based on available resources.
[ 2018 c 284 § 60; 2009 c 520 § 89; 2003 c 112 § 6.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2003 c 112: See note following RCW 74.13.550.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.631 - Students subject to a dependency proceeding—School placement options.

RCW 74.13.631
Students subject to a dependency proceeding—School placement options.
(1) Consistent with the provisions for making best interest determinations established in RCW 28A.225.350 and 74.13.560, the department shall provide students who are the subject of a dependency proceeding with the opportunity to remain enrolled in their school of origin, unless the safety of the student is jeopardized, or a relative or other suitable person placement approved by the department is secured for the student, or it is determined not to be in the student's best interest. If the parties in the dependency case disagree regarding which school the student should be enrolled in, the student may remain enrolled in the school of origin until the disagreement is resolved in court, unless the department determines that the student is in immediate danger by remaining enrolled in the school of origin.
(2) Unless otherwise directed by the court, the educational responsibilities of the department for preschool and school-aged students residing in out-of-home care are the following:
(a) To collaboratively discuss and document school placement options and plan necessary school transfers during the family team decision-making meeting;
(b) To notify the receiving school and the school of origin that a youth residing in foster care is transferring schools;
(c) To request and secure missing academic records or medical records required for school enrollment within ten business days;
(d) To document the request and receipt of academic records in the individual service and safety plan;
(e) To pay any unpaid fees or fines due by the student to the school or school district;
(f) To notify all legal parties when a school disruption occurs; and
(g) To document factors that contributed to any school disruptions.
(3) The requirements of the department in subsections (1) and (2) of this section apply also for children who are the subject of a dependency proceeding.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "students who are the subject of a dependency proceeding" means a child or youth who is located in Washington state and the subject of a shelter care or dependency order pursuant to chapter 13.34 RCW.
[ 2022 c 78 § 10; 2018 c 139 § 5; 2013 c 182 § 6.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2018 c 139: See note following RCW 28A.225.350.
Findings—2013 c 182: See note following RCW 13.34.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.632 - School-aged youth in out-of-home care—Educational experiences and progress—Reports.

RCW 74.13.632
School-aged youth in out-of-home care—Educational experiences and progress—Reports.
(1) A university-based child welfare research entity shall include in its reporting the educational experiences and progress of students in out-of-home care with the department. This data must be disaggregated in the smallest units allowable by law that do not identify an individual student, in order to learn which of the department's offices and school districts are experiencing the greatest success and challenges in achieving quality educational outcomes with students in out-of-home care with the department.
(2) By January 1, 2015 and annually thereafter, the university-based child welfare research entity must submit a report to the legislature. To the extent possible, the report should include, but is not limited to, information on the following measures for a youth who is a dependent pursuant to chapter 13.34 RCW:
(a) Aggregate scores from the Washington state kindergarten readiness assessment;
(b) Aggregate scores from the third grade statewide student assessment in reading;
(c) Number of youth graduating from high school with a documented plan for postsecondary education, employment, or military service;
(d) Number of youth completing one year of postsecondary education, the equivalent of first-year student credits, or achieving a postsecondary certificate; and
(e) Number of youth who complete an associate or bachelor's degree.
(3) The report must identify strengths and weaknesses in practice and recommend to the legislature strategy and needed resources for improvement.
[ 2018 c 58 § 48; 2013 c 182 § 7.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Findings—2013 c 182: See note following RCW 13.34.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.650 - Foster parent critical support and retention program.

RCW 74.13.650
Foster parent critical support and retention program.
A foster parent critical support and retention program is established to retain foster parents who care for sexually reactive children, physically assaultive children, or children with other high-risk behaviors, as defined in RCW 74.13.280. Services shall consist of short-term therapeutic and educational interventions to support the stability of the placement. The department shall enter into performance-based contracts with agencies to provide this program.
[ 2018 c 284 § 63; 2009 c 520 § 92; 2007 c 220 § 7; 2006 c 353 § 2.]
NOTES:
Findings—2006 c 353: "The legislature finds that:
(1) Foster parents are able to successfully maintain placements of sexually reactive children, physically assaultive children, or children with other high-risk behaviors when they are provided with proper training and support. Lack of support contributes to placement disruptions and multiple moves between foster homes.
(2) Young children who have experienced repeated early abuse and trauma are at high risk for behavior later in life that is sexually deviant, if left untreated. Placement with a well-trained, prepared, and supported foster family can break this cycle." [ 2006 c 353 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.660 - Foster parent critical support and retention program—Availability, assessment, training, referral.

RCW 74.13.660
Foster parent critical support and retention program—Availability, assessment, training, referral.
Under the foster parent critical support and retention program, foster parents who care for sexually reactive children, physically assaultive children, or children with other high-risk behaviors, as defined in RCW 74.13.280, shall receive:
(1) Availability at any time of the day or night to address specific concerns related to the identified child;
(2) Assessment of risk and development of a safety and supervision plan;
(3) Home-based foster parent training utilizing evidence-based models; and
(4) Referral to relevant community services and training provided by the local department office or community agencies.
[ 2018 c 58 § 57; 2007 c 220 § 8; 2006 c 353 § 3.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Findings—2006 c 353: See note following RCW 74.13.650.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.670 - Care provider immunity for allegation of failure to supervise a sexually reactive, physically assaultive, or physically aggressive youth—Conditions.

RCW 74.13.670
Care provider immunity for allegation of failure to supervise a sexually reactive, physically assaultive, or physically aggressive youth—Conditions.
(1) A care provider may not be found to have abused or neglected a child under chapter 26.44 RCW or be denied a license pursuant to chapter 74.15 RCW and RCW 74.13.031 for any allegations of failure to supervise in which:
(a) The allegations arise from the child's conduct that is substantially similar to prior behavior of the child, and:
(i) The child is a sexually reactive youth, exhibits high-risk behaviors, or is physically assaultive or physically aggressive as defined in RCW 74.13.280, and this information and the child's prior behavior was not disclosed to the care provider as required by RCW 74.13.280; and
(ii) The care provider did not know or have reason to know that the child needed supervision as a sexually reactive or physically assaultive or physically aggressive youth, or because of a documented history of high-risk behaviors, as a result of the care provider's involvement with or independent knowledge of the child or training and experience; or
(b) The child was not within the reasonable control of the care provider at the time of the incident that is the subject of the allegation, and the care provider was acting in good faith and did not know or have reason to know that reasonable control or supervision of the child was necessary to prevent harm or risk of harm to the child or other persons.
(2) Allegations of child abuse or neglect that meet the provisions of this section shall be designated as "unfounded" as defined in RCW 26.44.020.
[ 2009 c 520 § 93; 2007 c 220 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.680 - Foster care to twenty-one program—Termination.

RCW 74.13.680
Foster care to twenty-one program—Termination.
(1) Within amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall continue to operate the state-funded foster care to twenty-one program for three years after June 7, 2012, at which point the program shall cease to operate.
(2) The department shall not have the authority to enroll any new youth under this program after June 7, 2012, and shall only serve eligible youth enrolled prior to that date.
(3) The purpose of the foster care to twenty-one program is to serve youth ages eighteen to twenty-one who are enrolled and participating in a postsecondary academic or postsecondary vocational program.
(4) A youth participating in this program may, within amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, continue to receive placement services until the youth reaches his or her twenty-first birthday or is no longer enrolled in and participating in a postsecondary program, whichever is earlier.
[ 2012 c 52 § 3; 2011 c 330 § 8.]
NOTES:
Intent—2012 c 52: See note following RCW 74.13.031.
Intent—2011 c 330: See note following RCW 13.04.011.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.695 - Validated tool to assess care needs.

RCW 74.13.695
Validated tool to assess care needs.
The office of innovation, alignment, and accountability must develop a single validated tool to assess the care needs of foster children. Once the validated tool is available for use on a statewide basis, the department of children, youth, and families must use the tool for assessing the care needs of foster children, including but not limited to whether the department should provide foster children with behavioral rehabilitation services. The department must notify the caseload forecast council, the office of financial management, and the appropriate fiscal committees of the legislature when it begins statewide use of the validated tool.
[ 2018 c 208 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.705 - Background checks—Out-of-state requests—Fees.

RCW 74.13.705
Background checks—Out-of-state requests—Fees.
The department shall charge a fee to process a request made by a person in another state for an individual's child abuse or neglect history in this state or other background history on the individual possessed by the department. All proceeds from the fees collected must go directly to aiding the cost associated with the department conducting background checks.
[ 2013 c 162 § 3.]
NOTES:
Findings—Rules—2013 c 162: See notes following RCW 74.13.700.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.710 - Out-of-home care—Childhood activities—Prudent parent standard.

RCW 74.13.710
Out-of-home care—Childhood activities—Prudent parent standard.
(1) For the purposes of this section, "caregiver" means a person with whom a child is placed in out-of-home care, or a designated official for a group care facility licensed by the department.
(2) This section applies to all caregivers providing for children in out-of-home care.
(3) Caregivers have the authority to provide or withhold permission without prior approval of the caseworker, department, or court to allow a child in their care to participate in normal childhood activities based on a reasonable and prudent parent standard.
(a) Normal childhood activities include, but are not limited to, extracurricular, enrichment, and social activities, and may include overnight activities outside the direct supervision of the caregiver for periods of over twenty-four hours and up to seventy-two hours.
(b) The reasonable and prudent parent standard means the standard of care used by a caregiver in determining whether to allow a child in his or her care to participate in extracurricular, enrichment, and social activities. This standard is characterized by careful and thoughtful parental decision making that is intended to maintain a child's health, safety, and best interest while encouraging the child's emotional and developmental growth.
(4) Any authorization provided under this section must comply with provisions included in an existing safety plan established by the department or court order.
(5)(a) Caseworkers shall discuss the child's interest in and pursuit of normal childhood activities in their monthly health and safety visits and describe the child's participation in normal childhood activities in the individual service and safety plan.
(b) Caseworkers shall also review a child's interest in and pursuit of normal childhood activities during monthly meetings with parents. Caseworkers shall communicate the opinions of parents regarding their child's participation in normal childhood activities so that the parents' wishes may be appropriately considered.
(6) Neither the caregiver nor the department may be held liable for injuries to the child that occur as a result of authority granted in this section unless the action or inaction of the caregiver or the department resulting in injury constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.
(7) This section does not remove or limit any existing liability protection afforded by law.
[ 2014 c 104 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.805 - Medicaid waiver services eligibility reporting.

RCW 74.13.805
Medicaid waiver services eligibility reporting.
(1) The department shall collaborate with the developmental disabilities administration of the department of social and health services to determine the number of enrolled clients of the developmental disabilities administration of the department of social and health services ages 16 through 21 years old who are functionally eligible for medicaid waiver services, who are also defined as dependent children under chapter 13.34 RCW, and who may exit dependency proceedings under chapter 13.34 RCW after reaching the maximum age for dependent children.
(2) By November 15th, and in compliance with RCW 43.01.036, the department shall submit an annual report to the appropriate committees of the legislature that provides the number of children and youth identified under subsection (1) of this section and other relevant information related to best serving these youth.
[ 2021 c 56 § 2.]
NOTES:
Intent—2021 c 56: "The legislature intends that this act help reduce the number of former foster youth with developmental disabilities discharged into homelessness or inappropriately placed in hospitals. The legislature further intends that the steps taken under this act maximize the use of the most cost-effective services for former foster youth with developmental disabilities." [ 2021 c 56 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.810 - Child malnutrition field guide.

RCW 74.13.810
Child malnutrition field guide.
By September 1, 2023, the department, in consultation with the department of health, shall produce and make available to department staff a child malnutrition field guide. This child malnutrition field guide must:
(1) Be concise, but provide references to additional comprehensive and trauma-informed resources for department staff to access if needed;
(2) Be easily accessible by department staff;
(3) Describe how to identify signs of child malnutrition;
(4) Include appropriate questions to ask the child and others close to the child when child malnutrition is suspected;
(5) Include the appropriate next steps department staff may take when child malnutrition is suspected; and
(6) Include any additional information the department deems relevant.
[ 2023 c 70 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.901 - Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.

RCW 74.13.901
Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships. Nothing in chapter 521, Laws of 2009 shall be construed as creating or requiring the creation of any medical assistance program, as that term is defined in RCW 74.09.010, for state registered domestic partners that is analogous to federal medical assistance programs extended to married persons.
[ 2009 c 521 § 177.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.902 - Construction—Religious or nonprofit organizations.

RCW 74.13.902
Construction—Religious or nonprofit organizations.
Nothing contained in chapter 3, Laws of 2012 shall be construed to alter or affect existing law regarding the manner in which a religious or nonprofit organization may be licensed to and provide adoption, foster care, or other child-placing services under this chapter or chapter 74.15 or 26.33 RCW.
[ 2012 c 3 § 15 (Referendum Measure No. 74, approved November 6, 2012).]
NOTES:
Notice—2012 c 3: See note following RCW 26.04.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13 - Child Welfare Services. › 74.13.903 - Construction—Prevention services.

RCW 74.13.903
Construction—Prevention services.
Nothing in this chapter may be construed to limit the department's authority to offer or provide prevention services or primary prevention services as defined in chapter 13.34 RCW and this chapter, respectively.
[ 2019 c 172 § 18.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13A - Adoption Support. › 74.13A.005 - Adoption support—State policy enunciated.

RCW 74.13A.005
Adoption support—State policy enunciated.
It is the policy of this state to enable the secretary to charge fees for certain services to adoptive parents who are able to pay for such services.
It is, however, also the policy of this state that the secretary of the department shall be liberal in waiving, reducing, or deferring payment of any such fee to the end that adoptions shall be encouraged in cases where prospective adoptive parents lack means.
It is the policy of this state to encourage, within the limits of available funds, the adoption of certain hard to place children in order to make it possible for children living in, or likely to be placed in, foster homes or institutions to benefit from the stability and security of permanent homes in which such children can receive continuous parental care, guidance, protection, and love and to reduce the number of such children who must be placed or remain in foster homes or institutions until they become adults.
It is also the policy of this state to try, by means of the program of adoption support authorized in RCW 26.33.320 and 74.13A.005 through 74.13A.080, to reduce the total cost to the state of foster home and institutional care.
[ 2018 c 58 § 73; 1985 c 7 § 133; 1971 ex.s. c 63 § 1. Formerly RCW 74.13.100.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13A - Adoption Support. › 74.13A.007 - Adoption support expenditures—Findings—Intent.

RCW 74.13A.007
Adoption support expenditures—Findings—Intent.
The legislature finds that the current state adoption support policy to encourage, within available funds, the adoption of certain hard to place children , has expedited permanency for children who are unable to reunify with their family and has resulted in savings otherwise spent on foster care.
The legislature also finds that current economic conditions have reduced state funds available for many critical programs. The legislature further finds that adoption support expenditures continue to increase. Given these realities, the legislature finds there is a need to control adoption support costs without adversely impacting permanency for state dependent children.
The legislature acknowledges that the best way to reduce adoption support and foster care expenditures is to safely prevent children from entering the foster care system. However, the legislature also finds that the recent prospective reduction to adoption support payments set forth in chapter 50, Laws of 2011 1st sp. sess. has not, to date, adversely impacted permanency for foster children in need of adoptive homes.
Therefore, the legislature intends to continue the adoption assistance rate reduction beyond the period set forth in the operating budget, while focusing on sustainable long-term efforts to prevent children from entering the foster care system, such as pursuing a potential federal Title IV-E waiver , which if granted, would allow Washington to reinvest dollars otherwise spent on foster care in prevention programs.
The legislature also finds that many adoptive parents spend adoption support payments on additional mental health services for adoptive children that are not currently covered by existing public programs. The legislature intends to offset adoption support payment expenditures by facilitating efforts to improve the access and quality of existing mental health services for adoptive families in the long term.
[ 2012 c 147 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13A - Adoption Support. › 74.13A.010 - Prospective adoptive parent's fee for cost of adoption services.

RCW 74.13A.010
Prospective adoptive parent's fee for cost of adoption services.
When a child proposed for adoption is placed with a prospective adoptive parent the department may charge such parent a fee in payment or part payment of such adoptive parent's part of the cost of the adoption services rendered and to be rendered by the department.
In charging such fees the department shall treat a husband and wife as a single prospective adoptive parent.
Each such fee shall be fixed according to a sliding scale based on the ability to pay of the prospective adoptive parent or parents.
Such fee scale shall be annually fixed by the secretary after considering the recommendations of the committee designated by the secretary to advise him or her on child welfare and pursuant to the regulations to be issued by the secretary in accordance with the provisions of Title 34 RCW.
The secretary may waive, defer, or provide for payment in installments without interest of, any such fee whenever in his or her judgment payment or immediate payment would cause economic hardship to such adoptive parent or parents.
Nothing in this section shall require the payment of a fee to the state of Washington in a case in which an adoption results from independent placement or placement by a licensed child-placing or supervising agency.
[ 2009 c 520 § 64; 1971 ex.s. c 63 § 2. Formerly RCW 74.13.103.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13A - Adoption Support. › 74.13A.015 - Adoption services—Disposition of fees—Use—Federal funds—Gifts and grants.

RCW 74.13A.015
Adoption services—Disposition of fees—Use—Federal funds—Gifts and grants.
All fees paid for adoption services pursuant to RCW 26.33.320 and 74.13A.005 through 74.13A.080 shall be credited to the general fund. Expenses incurred in connection with supporting the adoption of hard to place children shall be paid by warrants drawn against such appropriations as may be available. The secretary may for such purposes, contract with any public agency or supervising agency and/or adoptive parent and is authorized to accept funds from other sources including federal, private, and other public funding sources to carry out such purposes.
The secretary shall actively seek, where consistent with the policies and programs of the department, and shall make maximum use of, such federal funds as are or may be made available to the department for the purpose of supporting the adoption of hard to place children. The secretary may, if permitted by federal law, deposit federal funds for adoption support, aid to adoptions, or subsidized adoption in the general fund and may use such funds, subject to such limitations as may be imposed by federal or state law, to carry out the program of adoption support authorized by RCW 26.33.320 and 74.13A.005 through 74.13A.080.
[ 2009 c 520 § 65; 1985 c 7 § 134; 1979 ex.s. c 67 § 7; 1975 c 53 § 1; 1973 c 61 § 1; 1971 ex.s. c 63 § 3. Formerly RCW 74.13.106.]
NOTES:
Severability—1979 ex.s. c 67: See note following RCW 19.28.351.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13A - Adoption Support. › 74.13A.025 - Factors determining payments or adjustment in standards.

RCW 74.13A.025
Factors determining payments or adjustment in standards.
The factors to be considered by the secretary in setting the amount of any payment or payments to be made pursuant to RCW 26.33.320 and 74.13A.005 through 74.13A.080 and in adjusting standards hereunder shall include: The size of the family including the adoptive child, the usual living expenses of the family, the special needs of any family member including education needs, the family income, the family resources and plan for savings, the medical and hospitalization needs of the family, the family's means of purchasing or otherwise receiving such care, and any other expenses likely to be needed by the child to be adopted. In setting the amount of any initial payment made pursuant to RCW 26.33.320 and 74.13A.005 through 74.13A.080, the secretary is authorized to establish maximum payment amounts that are reasonable and allow permanency planning goals related to adoption of children under RCW 13.34.145 to be achieved at the earliest possible date. To encourage adoption of children between the ages of fourteen and eighteen, and in particular those children between the ages of fourteen and eighteen who are hard to place for adoption, the secretary is authorized to include as part of any new negotiated adoption agreement executed after October 19, 2017, continued eligibility for the Washington college bound scholarship pursuant to RCW 28B.118.010.
The amounts paid for the support of a child pursuant to RCW 26.33.320 and 74.13A.005 through 74.13A.080 may vary from family to family and from year to year. Due to changes in economic circumstances or the needs of the child such payments may be discontinued and later resumed.
Payments under RCW 26.33.320 and 74.13A.005 through 74.13A.080 may be continued by the secretary subject to review as provided for herein, if such parent or parents having such child in their custody establish their residence in another state or a foreign jurisdiction.
In fixing the standards to govern the amount and character of payments to be made for the support of adopted children pursuant to RCW 26.33.320 and 74.13A.005 through 74.13A.080 and before issuing rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of RCW 26.33.320 and 74.13A.005 through 74.13A.080, the secretary shall consider the comments and recommendations of the committee designated by the secretary to advise him or her with respect to child welfare.
[ 2017 3rd sp.s. c 20 § 8; 2013 c 23 § 210; 1996 c 130 § 1; 1985 c 7 § 136; 1971 ex.s. c 63 § 5. Formerly RCW 74.13.112.]
NOTES:
Construction—Competitive procurement process and contract provisions—Conflict with federal requirements and Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978—2017 3rd sp.s. c 20: See notes following RCW 74.13.270.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13A - Adoption Support. › 74.13A.030 - Both continuing payments and lump sum payments authorized.

RCW 74.13A.030
Both continuing payments and lump sum payments authorized.
To carry out the program authorized by RCW 26.33.320 and 74.13A.005 through 74.13A.080, the secretary may make continuing payments or lump sum payments of adoption support. In lieu of continuing payments, or in addition to them, the secretary may make one or more specific lump sum payments for or on behalf of a hard to place child either to the adoptive parents or directly to other persons to assist in correcting any condition causing such child to be hard to place for adoption.
Consistent with a particular child's needs, continuing adoption support payments shall include, if necessary to facilitate or support the adoption of a special needs child, an amount sufficient to remove any reasonable financial barrier to adoption as determined by the secretary under RCW 74.13A.025.
After determination by the secretary of the amount of a payment or the initial amount of continuing payments, the prospective parent or parents who desire such support shall sign an agreement with the secretary providing for the payment, in the manner and at the time or times prescribed in regulations to be issued by the secretary subject to the provisions of RCW 26.33.320 and 74.13A.005 through 74.13A.080, of the amount or amounts of support so determined.
Payments shall be subject to review as provided in RCW 26.33.320 and 74.13A.005 through 74.13A.080.
[ 2017 3rd sp.s. c 20 § 9; 1996 c 130 § 2; 1985 c 7 § 137; 1971 ex.s. c 63 § 6. Formerly RCW 74.13.115.]
NOTES:
Construction—Competitive procurement process and contract provisions—Conflict with federal requirements and Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978—2017 3rd sp.s. c 20: See notes following RCW 74.13.270.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 74 - Public Assistance › Chapter 74.13A - Adoption Support. › 74.13A.035 - Application—1996 c 130.

RCW 74.13A.035
Application—1996 c 130.
Chapter 130, Laws of 1996 applies to adoption support payments for eligible children whose eligibility is determined on or after July 1, 1996. Chapter 130, Laws of 1996 does not apply retroactively to current recipients of adoption support payments.
[ 1996 c 130 § 3. Formerly RCW 74.13.116.]