HB 3085 - 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.

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

Provides that, when the department determines that the use of a family decision meeting is appropriate, an initial meeting shall be held as soon as possible following a child's involvement in the child welfare system.

Provides that, if the department elects not to conduct a family decision meeting, the reasons for that decision 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.