SB 5498-S - DIGEST
(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Creates the department of children, youth, and families.

Requires the department to: (1) In partnership with state and local agencies, tribes, and communities, protect children, youth, and family well-being with effective, high quality prevention, intervention, and early education services; and

(2) Create the oversight board for children, youth, and families to monitor and ensure the department's compliance with administrative acts, relevant statutes, rules, and policies pertaining to early learning, juvenile rehabilitation, juvenile justice, and children and family services.

Creates the office of innovation and alignment, within the office of the governor, with the primary duties and focus on developing and presenting a plan for the establishment of the department of children, youth, and families.

Transitions the office of innovation and alignment from the office of the governor to be an office within the department of children, youth, and families.

Requires the office of the family and children's ombuds to provide information on the rights and responsibilities of individuals receiving juvenile justice, juvenile rehabilitation, and child early learning services.

Abolishes the department of early learning and transfers its powers, duties, and functions to the department of children, youth, and families.

Transfers the powers, duties, and functions of the department of social and health services, pertaining to child welfare services under chapters 13.34, 13.36, 13.38, 13.50, 13.60, 13.64, 26.33, 26.44, 74.13, 74.13A, 74.14B, 74.14C, and 74.15 RCW, to the department of children, youth, and families.