Expanding the early childhood court program.

 S-1112.2

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5149

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Senate Human Services (originally sponsored by Senators Cortes, Hasegawa, Krishnadasan, Liias, Nobles, Saldaña, Salomon, Shewmake, and C. Wilson)

READ FIRST TIME 02/06/25.

AN ACT Relating to expanding the early childhood court program; amending RCW 2.30.100 ; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the early childhood court program has federal funding through September 2027 and is currently not operating at capacity. Expanding access to early childhood courts ensures that these funds can be used to serve more families in the dependency system.

The legislature further finds that there is a historical and ongoing impact of systemic racism within child welfare, especially as it affects Black, indigenous, and marginalized families. Recognizing the role of historical policies that devalue cultural and racial identities, this act aims to promote family integrity and dignity while supporting healthy outcomes through equitable and culturally sensitive practices.