Authorizing the Washington state institute for public policy to evaluate outcomes related to assessment practices at the department of children, youth, and families.

 S-4743.1

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 6007

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2026 Regular Session

By Senate Human Services (originally sponsored by Senator Warnick)

READ FIRST TIME 02/04/26.

AN ACT Relating to authorizing the Washington state institute for public policy to evaluate outcomes related to assessment practices as it relates to screening-in cases at the department of children, youth, and families; adding a new section to chapter 13.34 RCW; 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 statewide dependency filing rate has consistently dropped annually since 2016. Simultaneously, Washington has seen a measured rise in the number of critical incidents and near critical incidents. The legislature finds it is necessary to understand the relationship between screening tools used by the department of children, youth, and families, and the impact they have on the initiation of dependencies and out-of-home placements.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 13.34 RCW to read as follows: