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Bill would expand community-based family reconciliation services for youth in conflict with parents
Summary
Supporters told the Senate Human Services Committee a pilot model of community-based Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) can reach families wary of Child Protective Services and help prevent youth homelessness; the bill carries a fiscal note of $300,000 per year.
The Senate Human Services Committee heard testimony on Substitute House Bill 15-09 on March 24, which would require the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to offer Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) for youth ages 12–17 in specified circumstances and to contract with at least one community-based FRS provider by July 1, 2026, subject to appropriation.
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Jamila Taylor of the 30th Legislative District, urged support and said community-based organizations are better positioned to reach families who distrust Child Protective Services. “Having trusted organizations, culturally responsive organizations, and those who are deeply embedded in community, being able to help navigate these systems with these families can help with the reconciliation,” Taylor said.
A staff briefing from Allison Mendiola of committee staff summarized the bill’s core provisions: FRS are voluntary services for runaway youth and youth in family conflict; DCYF or a designated contractor must offer FRS to families or youth when the youth is in a county detention center and a family conflict exists and may be requested by the youth, family, or juvenile detention center. The bill also requires DCYF to publish additional data about FRS on its website and includes a null-and-void clause. The fiscal note cited by staff estimates a cost of $300,000 per year and $600,000 per biennium for the next two biennia.
Supporters including providers and philanthropy representatives described the Everett community-based pilot as a model that reduces barriers to participation by keeping services outside the formal child-welfare intake system. Casey Troopin of the Raikes Foundation said the foundation has offered financial support for an evaluation if the legislature funds the pilot, calling the design “community driven” and “trauma informed.” Joseph Alonzo, CEO of Cocoon House, said families told his organization they avoid state-run services for fear of child-welfare involvement and that community-based FRS reduces that stigma.
Representative Taylor and witnesses emphasized the bill is a relatively small budget request compared with potential system costs avoided by preventing foster care placements and youth homelessness. Taylor said, “This is a small budget ask and a really, really tight year, but it has financial benefits for avoiding costs down the road.”
No formal committee action or vote was recorded during the hearing. Committee staff and witnesses indicated the bill’s expansion of community-based FRS is subject to appropriation.
If passed, the bill would require DCYF to offer a community-based contract in at least one location already providing the services by July 1, 2026, and to post data about requests and referrals to FRS on its website. Supporters urged the committee to move the bill forward to continue the Everett pilot and expand access to families reluctant to contact CPS.
