The legislature declares that a trusted relationship with an adult is one of the strongest protective factors against childhood adversity.
Therefore, a new section is added to RCW chapter 43.70, to determine that the Department of Health (DOH) must identify videos, printed material, and other parent support tools and resources that promote safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments.
These resources shall be available on a website in the five most commonly spoken languages in the state, while promoting the website with provider organizations to encourage the use and availability of the materials in waiting rooms where parents and children may be present.
The DOH must review and include resiliency promotion and adverse childhood experiences mitigation messaging in the materials for all families with children aged birth-six years old.
The Department shall also develop training modules for community health workers and other peer educators and health care providers.
Finally, a pilot program shall be developed and implemented with 1 or more local clinics or organizations to screen for adverse childhood experiences and provide linkages to appropriate community and clinical resources. By December 1st, 2020, DOH must report the results of the pilot program, including the effectiveness of the questionnaires and any recommendations for improving the use of the screening tools.
