SB 5559-S - DIGEST
(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 2ND SUB)

Authorizes a vulnerable youth to petition the court to have a vulnerable youth guardianship established for him or her by filing a petition in juvenile court.

Gives jurisdiction to the juvenile division of superior courts to appoint a guardian for a consenting vulnerable youth who has been abandoned, neglected, or abused by one or both parents, or for whom the court determines that a guardian is otherwise necessary as one or both parents cannot adequately provide for the youth such that the youth risks physical or psychological harm if returned to the youth's home.

Requires the Washington state task force against the trafficking of persons to: (1) Deliver an evaluation of the vulnerable youth guardianship program to the legislature; and

(2) In its evaluation, determine whether a vulnerable youth advocate interview is necessary before a vulnerable youth guardianship is granted.