HB 3085-S - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Establishes as the policy of the state of Washington to encourage and support meaningful family involvement in the decision making related to planning for children involved in the child welfare system, in those instances where family is available and family involvement is in the best interest of the child.

Requires the department of social and health services to establish as a policy the use of family decision meetings in cases in which a child is involved in the child welfare system.

Requires the department to develop written policies and protocols identifying the key decision points at which family decision meetings shall be held including, but not limited to, a change in a child's placement.

Declares that, when the department determines that the use of a family decision meeting is appropriate, and the child's parent or parents and other family members agree to the meeting, an initial meeting shall be held as soon as possible following the family's agreement to participate.

Provides that, if the department elects not to conduct a family decision meeting or the family does not agree to the meeting, the reasons for not conducting a family decision meeting shall be clearly documented in the written service plan of the child developed by the department.

Requires that, if the department of social and health services conducts a family decision meeting, the meeting shall result in the development of a written family plan that may include service recommendations, placement recommendations, and a permanency plan.