Part of Governor Jay Inslee’s proposed budget, released Thursday, includes adding money to help the state Department of Social and Health Services intervene more quickly in cases of possible child abuse.
Some $8.3 million has been earmarked for the proposed new Family Assessment Response program.
DSHS Secretary Kevin Quigley says the intervention funding could help keep abuse from happening in the first place.
“We’re talking about actively engaging the family,” said Quigley. “They may need parenting skills. They may need housing support. They may need a vacuum cleaner just to keep their house clean, so it’s not filthy.”
The budget also includes $5.9 million for Child Protective Services to reduce response and investigation times.
Quigley spoke on KUOW today with Ross Reynolds.
