"NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that efforts to protect children from abuse and neglect and support families are dependent upon the efforts of staff in the field who work directly with the children and families of this state. Child protective services staff investigate reports of suspected child abuse and neglect and, when necessary, intervene by providing services designed to increase children's safety and protect them from further harm. Child welfare services staff provide longer-term services to families, including intensive treatment services to children and families who may need help with chronic or serious problems that interfere with their ability to protect or parent children.
     The legislature determines that in order to perform their work, the safety of child protective services and child welfare services staff must be addressed.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The department of social and health services shall establish a work group to develop policies and protocols to address the safety of child protective services and child welfare services staff.
     (2) The department of social and health services shall make recommendations regarding training to address recognition of highly volatile, hostile, and/or threatening situations and de-escalation and preventive safety measures.
     (3) Membership of the work group shall include the following: Representatives of the children's administration of the department of social and health services, including representatives of child protective services staff and child welfare services staff from community service offices in largely rural areas of the state as well as urban areas; law enforcement; and prosecuting attorneys.
     (4) The department of social and health services shall provide the developed recommendations, policies, and protocols to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2005."