Legislature authorizes extension for the Children in Crisis care team

The Washington Legislature passed HB 1272 this year, extending the effective date of the Children in Crisis care team to June 30, 2027. The team was previously set to expire at the end of June 2025.

Led by the Governor’s Office, the care team is responsible for supporting children and their families who are in the hospital without medical necessity. These situations arise when it is unsafe or not possible for the child to return to the care of a parent or guardian. The team helps identify appropriate services and living arrangements.

Under HB 1272, the title of the Governor’s Office’s team leader is changed from the children and youth multisystem care coordinator to the children and youth multisystem care project director.

If you are a WSHA member and have a question about these updates, contact Cara Helmer at carah@wsha.org (Cara Helmer)