To require new conditions before a child is returned to a home. Among other changes, the State would be required to identify the caregiver of the child, perform background checks on everyone living within the home, and notify the parent in the home that they have a responsibility to notify the state on everyone living in the home.   Official Text and Analysis.

To add a short title to the bill to name the bill "Sirita's Law." The substitute bill adds the requirement that the Department ensure parents in dependency cases receive priority for court-ordered services. The requirement is added that the caseworker must notify the court if the caregiver fails to follow through with recommended treatment, rather than only if the caregiver fails to engage in the services. The substitute bill also changes some training requirements.

To provide that the court may make placement contingent on, or delay placement, based on the need of a caregiver in the home to engage in services to ensure the safety of the child. Services may be provided to caregivers other than parents. However, the act does not confer party status to any person not already a party or create an entitlement to services or a duty of the DSHS to provide services. A parent's duty to notify court of new household members or caregivers extends as long as court has jurisdiction. The hearing to be held if a child is returned home and subsequently removed is a review hearing, rather than a permanency hearing. "Remedial services" are defined, and the DSHS may provide funds for such services for those unable to pay, if appropriated in the operating budget or otherwise available to the DSHS. The Criminal Justice Training Commission, along with the DSHS, the WASPC, and the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, must develop a curriculum related to child abuse and neglect to be incorporated in the basic law enforcement training. The JLARC must analyze gaps throughout the state in the availability and accessibility of services identified in the Federal Adoption and Safe Families Act. The Administrative Office of the Courts, along with the AG's office and the DSHS, must compile an annual report, including information about cases that fail to meet statutory guidelines to achieve permanency for dependent children. Foster parents must, if appropriate and they desire to, be available to help with a child's transition back to the natural family. Parents who are defendants in dependency cases are included in the persons considered as priority populations for access to mental health treatment.