Washington State Legislature passed the following bills during the 2024 Session that go into effect on June 6, 2024. SB 6109: Requires courts to give great weight to the lethality of high-potency synthetic opioids and public health guidance from the DOH related to high-potency synthetic opioids; funding for new services and programs. SB 5908: Changes the requirements for the Extended Foster Care Program. Public Health Guidance on High Potency Synthetic Opioids Download Public Health Guidance on High-Potency Synthetic Opioids: Considerations
Legal Standards Comparison Chart
Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA) Hotline Launches
On January 1st, the Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) Parents Representation Program launched the Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA) Attorney Hotline! This free hotline provides parents, guardians, and legal custodians who are being offered VPAs by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families the opportunity to receive legal advice and consultation from an attorney.
Ten Recommendations for Making Findings of Fact Infographic
This infographic contains ten recommendations that judicial officers can use to help ensure adequate findings of fact in child dependency and termination cases. Full guide created by retired Judge Beth Andrus and retired Judge Helen Halpert.
“Getting Ready for Your Dependency Hearing” Videos Available in Six Languages
FYJP worked with Public Knowledge to create two instructional videos meant to reduce some of the stress that families feel by helping them be prepared. Videos are now available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Somali and Vietnamese.
FYJP Fall 2023 Newsletter
FYJP is excited to release the inaugural issue of our newsletter! This quarterly newsletter is designed to highlight some of the exciting things we’re doing at FYJP, including statewide training, technical assistance, data and research support that helps courts and system partners improve outcomes for children, families and the professionals who serve them.