(The Center Square) – A group of Washington lawmakers wants to protect children by lengthening the required time of state supervision once a child is returned to a parent who is recovering from a substance abuse disorder
“We are neutral on proposed legislation as always, but I appreciate the intent of HB 1891 to enhance protection of a child after the child is returned to a parent in the home,” Patrick Dowd, director of the Office of the Washington State Family and Children’s Ombuds, told the House Committee on Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning on Tuesday. “However, I do question whether a required minimum of 12 months of supervision after reunification is a cost-effective strategy.”
House Bill 1891 would require the Department of Children, Youth, and Families supervision to continue for at least 12 months – instead of six months as required under current law – after a child returns home during a child welfare case involving substance abuse disorder on the part of a parent.