FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2596

C 176 L 10

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Defining child advocacy centers for the multidisciplinary investigation of child abuse and implementation of county protocols.

Sponsors: House Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Williams, Chase, Upthegrove and Simpson).

House Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Background:

Investigation Protocols for Child Neglect, Abuse, and Fatality.

The coordination of county-based protocols for child sexual abuse investigations has been required by law in Washington since 1999. Since 2007 county-based protocols have been required also for the investigation of child abuse, criminal child neglect, and child fatality. Protocols are intended to coordinate a multidisciplinary investigation by the various local entities responsible for responding to the abuse, neglect, or death of children, including city and county law enforcement; child protective services; county prosecutors; emergency medical personnel; and other local agencies and advocacy groups. County prosecutors are responsible for developing the protocols in collaboration with all other entities.

Washington Association of Children's Advocacy Centers.

The Children's Advocacy Centers of Washington (CACWA) is a membership association representing Children's Advocacy Centers (CAC) in the state, and providing training and technical assistance to existing and emerging CACs. The CACWA is also the Washington Chapter of the National Children's Alliance, a national membership and accrediting organization for CACs. As the state chapter of the national accrediting organization, the CACWA provides training and technical assistance to existing and developing centers and serves as a voice and support for CACs. The common goal of the CACs and the state chapter is to ensure children are not re-victimized by the very system designed to protect them. Children's Advocacy Centers are located in the following Washington cities: Vancouver, Lacey, Montesano, Wenatchee, Tacoma, Spokane, Everett, Colville, Bingen, Bellingham, Kennewick, and Port Orchard.

Community Sexual Assault Programs.

A Community Sexual Assault Program (CSAP) is a community-based social service agency providing services to victims of sexual assault, including treatment, information and referral, crisis intervention, medical advocacy, legal advocacy, support, system coordination, and prevention services for potential victims of sexual assault.

Summary:

A CAC is defined as a child-focused facility in good standing with the CACWA providing coordination of a multidisciplinary process for the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse, including child sexual abuse. The CACs provide a child-friendly location for forensic interviews and help coordinate access to medical evaluations, advocacy, therapy, and case reviews within the context of the county-based protocols.

The CACs are added to the list of entities to be included in the development of county-based protocols for the investigation of child sexual abuse, child abuse, criminal child neglect, and child fatalities.

The CSAPs are added to the list of entities to be included in the development of county-based protocols for the investigation of child sexual abuse.

Votes on Final Passage: