H-1278

AN ACT Relating to investigations involving children as witnesses and victims; amending RCW 74.14B.010; adding a new section to chapter 43.101 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 26.44 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.20A RCW; creating a new section; and making appropriations.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The state of Washington affirms the importance of ensuring that crimes involving child abuse are investigated thoroughly and objectively. Children who have been victims of crime deserve to have those who committed the crimes against them brought to justice. Those who may have been accused should expect that investigative agencies will make every effort to conduct thorough and impartial investigations.

The best approach to investigations of child abuse crimes involves a coordinated effort by investigative agencies that minimizes repetitive investigative interviews and improves the quality of the investigations. Specialized training for child interviewers should be available throughout the state of Washington.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 43.101 RCW to read as follows:

Investigative interviewers shall receive introductory and ongoing specialized training in interviewing children. Specialized training shall be prioritized for persons primarily responsible for investigating child abuse. Such training shall include information about developmental considerations in language and communication abilities, the nature and consequences of victimization that may affect willingness and ability to report crime, memory and suggestibility, methods and techniques for eliciting accurate and complete information, and methods and techniques for preserving interviews. Training participants shall have the opportunity to practice interview skills and receive feedback from instructors. The commission, the department of social and health services, and the Washington association of prosecuting attorneys shall design and implement state-wide training that contains consistent elements for persons engaged in the interviewing of children, including law enforcement, prosecution, and child protective services.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 26.44 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The department and the criminal justice training commission shall develop written protocols for establishing multidisciplinary investigations. The protocols shall include interviewing techniques and procedures for recording interviews.

(2) Each agency involved in investigating child abuse shall document its role in handling cases and how it will coordinate with other local agencies or systems. The department and local law enforcement agencies may include other agencies and systems that are involved with child abuse victims in the multidisciplinary coordination.

Sec. 4. RCW 74.14B.010 and 1987 c 503 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Caseworkers employed in children services shall meet minimum standards established by the department of social and health services. Comprehensive training for caseworkers shall be completed before such caseworkers are assigned to case-carrying responsibilities without direct supervision. Intermittent, part-time, and standby workers shall be subject to the same minimum standards and training.

(2) Caseworkers who investigate child abuse shall receive introductory and ongoing specialized training in interviewing children. Such training shall include information about developmental considerations in language and communication abilities, the nature and consequences of victimization that may affect willingness and ability to report crime, memory and suggestibility, methods and techniques for eliciting accurate and complete information, and methods and techniques for preserving interviews. Training participants shall have the opportunity to practice interview skills and receive feedback from instructors. The department, the criminal justice training commission, and the Washington association of prosecuting attorneys shall design and implement state-wide training that contains consistent elements for persons engaged in the interviewing of children, including law enforcement, prosecution, and child protective services.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. A new section is added to chapter 43.20A RCW to read as follows:

The department shall establish three pilot projects involving child abuse and neglect investigations. The projects shall use different methods and techniques to conduct and preserve interviews with alleged child victims of abuse and neglect.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. (1) The sum of . . . . . . dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, from the general fund to the criminal justice training commission for the purposes of this act.

(2) The sum of . . . . . . dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001, from the general fund to the criminal justice training commission for the purposes of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. (1) The sum of . . . . . . dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, from the general fund to the department of social and health services for the purposes of this act.

(2) The sum of . . . . . . dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001, from the general fund to the department of social and health services for the purposes of this act.