This budget also proposes reductions to better align spending with program needs. In total, the proposed budget for human services includes $1.56 billion in General Fund savings over the four-year outlook period. 

Reductions include general adjustments for staff vacancies and underspending in programs, in addition to the following: 

Facility closures and delays 

• Closing Rainier School and Yakima Valley School Residential Habilitation Centers, continuing Washington’s movement away from facility-based care and toward community-based settings. Fircrest School and Lakeland Village remain, with additional capacity becoming available at Fircrest School in fiscal year 2027, allowing options for individuals from Rainier and Yakima Valley Schools who need to remain in a state facility. Corresponding community investments are described further below. 
• Closing the Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women due to declining numbers of women needing lower-security beds, which is described further below. 
• Slowing growth in capacity for behavioral health by delaying a new unit opening at Maple Lane Campus. Trueblood wait times have decreased dramatically in the past year, and with units opening at other facilities, this additional space can be postponed. In addition, the governor request legislation designed to reduce the number of inpatient competency referrals will help slow overall growth and reduce strain on existing bed capacity. 
• Claiming savings at the Special Commitment Center’s Fir Unit, which is closed, and Redwood Unit which is operating at half capacity. 

Program delays and reductions 

• Delaying Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) entitlement and expansion of Working Connections Child Care, which are described further below. 
• Delaying the addition of acupuncture and chiropractic care to covered services under Apple Health, which was an upcoming expansion of coverage that is not yet implemented. 
• Eliminating the requirement that the Department of Social and Health Services provide case management for people who have not requested or do not need paid services. 

Reductions were taken in order to fund necessary items in the human services budget, including the following investments.

Continue support for senior nutrition program services 

Food insecurity is increasingly prevalent among aging populations. The Area Agencies on Aging administers programs to deliver meals to homes and provides congregate meal settings for seniors at highest risk of losing access to nutrition. 

($27.9 million General Fund-State) 

Expand support for individuals transitioning from nursing home to community 

The cost of rent prohibits many individuals from securing independent living options, especially when living on a fixed income. By supporting transitions to affordable housing, individuals are empowered to live independently, and nursing facilities are better positioned to accommodate those who require acute care. This funding expands access to affordable housing for individuals who are stalled in acute care settings due to the lack of affordable housing. 

($12.9 million GF-S, $7.2 million General Fund-Federal) 

Increase community respite rates and available service hours 

Day habilitation rates cover a range of services for individuals with developmental disabilities including community respite. Community respite allows individuals with disabilities to get involved in community activities while receiving needed supports. It serves as an important support for clients and caregivers, promotes inclusion, combats isolation, and enhances quality of life. This funding will help to expand the choices available to clients.  

($718,000 GF-S, $718,000 GF-F) 

Increase community residential nursing rate 

Community residential service providers must employ nursing professionals to provide care to clients with high medical acuity. One-time funding is provided to increase payment rates to hire and retain permanent nursing professionals, reducing reliance on costly temp agencies. This will result in improved health outcomes, decreased hospitalizations, and expedited community placement.  

($486,000 GF-S, $476,000 GF-F) 

Increase investment in community residential services 

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have a right to personal choice in choosing a residential setting. Washington has continued to grow its community-based supports to promote greater community inclusion and integration for people with I/DD. To align with these principles, increased funding for community options is included to ensure individuals will have access to their choice of residential settings and services. These services will also support those individuals who choose community-based placement as the state pursues closure of Rainier School and Yakima Valley School by 2027. 

($12.4 million GF-S, $11.6 million GF-F)

Continue support for unaccompanied immigrant children living with a sponsor family 

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed 1,350 unaccompanied immigrant children in Washington with sponsor families in federal fiscal year 2023. The state provides support services for these families, including housing assistance, child care, transportation, and household supplies. Proposed funds continue these supports through state fiscal year 2026, at which time a long-term solution for supports and case-management activities can be assessed based on future recommendations made by a workgroup led by the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance.  

($500,000 GF-S) 

Continue supports for individuals newly arriving to Washington 

Between 2022 and 2023, Washington experienced a 400% increase in the number of newly arriving individuals. These individuals do not qualify for the federal Refugee Resettlement Program. This funding will sustain a coordinated, statewide response supporting the economic, social integration, and basic needs of this population through state fiscal year 2026. 

($25 million GF-S) 

Waive collection of certain overpayments for Aged, Blind, or Disabled program 

Effective July 1, 2025, the Economic Services Administration will be able to waive the requirement for Aged, Blind, or Disabled participants to pay back an overpayment that was caused by an unintentional error. The collection of the overpayment is burdensome to the participants and can make it more challenging for participants to meet their basic needs. 

($308,000 GF-S) 

Continue funding for the Integrated Eligibility and Enrollment IT project 

Washington continues to invest in an expedited and streamlined eligibility and enrollment system for medical and social support programs. This integrated system will simplify applications, save time for individuals, and improve efficiency for state workers. The funds also support continued work to create a transparent eligibility tracker and alignment with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ regulations. 

($12 million GF-S, $23.8 million GF-F) 

Support culturally appropriate rehabilitation services for Tribes 

Most Tribes in Washington are not receiving federal funding to support vocational rehabilitation services. The proposed budget includes funding for grants to federally recognized Tribes to develop culturally appropriate vocational rehabilitation services and to provide adaptive technologies for Tribal members with disabilities who are seeking employment. It is estimated that 261 Tribal members across the state will benefit from these services. 

For Tribal members who are blind, low-visioned, or deaf/blind, funding will include support for culturally appropriate vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and youth services benefiting an estimated 87 Tribal members. 

($1.3 million GF-S)

Support for Tribal health services 

The budget provides ongoing support for Tribal facilities through a state match for federal funds. This will allow Tribal facilities to continue providing health care services for Medicaid clients regardless of Tribal status.

($70.9 million GF-S) 

Provide additional health care resources for justice-involved people 

Justice-involved Washingtonians often lack access to essential medical and behavioral health care before their release, leading to instability and unmet needs. This funding will fill that gap as part of the Medicaid Transformation Waiver. Services will include Medication Assisted Treatment, a 30-day supply of prescription medications at release and case management services. Providing these services pre-release will stabilize clients, connect them with community clinicians, and promote a more successful re-entry. 

($12.8 million GF-S, $81.5 million GF-F) 

Increase housing and employment support 

Increased federal funding will allow community-based organizations and local housing authorities to provide housing support, rental assistance and employment counseling for clients in need. 

($103 million GF-F, $45 million General Fund-Local)

Restructure Reentry Center portfolio  

Reentry centers, formerly known as work releases, are a proven method of helping people who are ending their prison sentences be successful in maintaining employment, stable housing, and in paying legal financial obligations upon release. With changes to the prison population from recent sentencing reform and court decisions, the state’s 11 reentry centers are operating well below capacity. Also, in recent years providers operating several of the centers have chosen not to renew their contracts, leading to sudden closure of centers in areas with high demand. To rightsize the reentry center portfolio, this budget proposes to close three centers and convert three others previously operated by vendors into stable, agency-run facilities.  

 ($5.5 million in savings GF-S)  

Reduce unneeded capacity for incarcerated women 

The rapid decline of people with low-level drug offenses in the prison population following the recent Blake decision has left the department with excess bed capacity in its lower security level facilities. This budget proposes closing the Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women (MCCCW), a women’s minimum-security camp outside of Belfair. The current residents and programs at the camp will move to a reopened unit at the nearby Washington Corrections Center for Women. After the residents’ transfer, the department will continue to maintain the campus and could reopen it in the future if needed. 

($15.3 million in savings GF-S)  

Increase access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder 

Maintaining medical treatment for opioid use disorder reduces mortality rates, increases participation in other substance use disorder treatments, and reduces recidivism rates. This funding will provide enough medication to treat incarcerated individuals who have opioid use disorder and who were receiving treatment before entering the Department of Corrections’ custody. 

($7.1 million GF-S) 

Provide staff coverage to improve safety and effectiveness 

Prison custody officers fill a critical role in ensuring safety for incarcerated individuals, staff, and the public. While improved access to paid leave has benefited these employees, it led to significant gaps in staffing coverage for these 24/7 institutions. The department has covered these gaps with expensive mandatory overtime and unfunded positions, leading to overspending and diversion of resources for community supervision and reentry services. This proposal takes a large step toward fully funding required coverage of mandatory positions. Reducing mandatory overtime will positively impact staff fatigue, morale, and retention rates.

($38 million GF-S) 

Support access to virtual hearings and services 

Virtual hearings are highly effective in ensuring incarcerated individuals receive legal, medical, and other services in a timely, safe, and cost-effective manner. Before March 2021, court proceedings were held in person, requiring multiple custody officers and transportation of incarcerated individuals for a variety of constitutionally required off-campus actions. If demand for hearings had remained stable, transitioning to virtual hearings could have resulted in cost savings. However, the demand for hearings has increased, and this budget proposes funding that increased use. The work to organize and facilitate these hearings will be done by an administrative assistant at each facility. Virtual venues give incarcerated individuals an opportunity to engage in legislative advocacy, access specialized medical care, and maintain essential family connections.

($2.5 million GF-S) 

Change correctional culture  

The negative impacts of incarceration on both incarcerated individuals and correctional staff are well-documented. The Department of Corrections’ Washington Way initiative, through its collaboration with the Amend program at the University of California San Francisco, is an innovative culture change initiative to prioritize the health and well-being of both staff and residents. Funds to continue this partnership will sustain progress in reducing staff burnout, turnover, and mental health issues, while enhancing reintegration efforts.  

($1 million GF-S)

Provide rate increases for foster care and extended foster care 

This budget provides funding to increase the foster care rate. The current rate does not cover the cost of living experienced by foster parents providing care for young adults in extended foster care in supervised independent living arrangements. Due to fiscal constraints, the rate will increase to half the cost of care in the first fiscal year and phase up to the full cost of care in fiscal year 2029. 

($7.3 million GF-S; $4.9 million GF-F) 

Maintain Family Preservation Services rate 

This governor’s budget makes the new Family Preservation Services rate, which was increased last year, permanent and ongoing. These essential in-home services are among the most widely accessed services by families in the child welfare system.  

($3.5 million GF-S) 

Continue to roll out reforms and practice improvements related to the D.S. lawsuit 

In 2022, parties reached a settlement agreement in D.S. v. Department of Children, Youth and Families. Funding is provided to implement provisions of the settlement agreement such as expanding the adolescent transitional living program, investing in hub homes, and implementing solutions that will allow for the end of placement exceptions by calendar year 2024 as required in the implementation plan for the settlement agreement. This includes using leased facilities and expanding receiving care capacity to transition away from placement exceptions. Funding for plaintiff legal fees and fiduciary support of payment infrastructure for the required reforms is also included.  

($19.9 million GF-S, $694,000 GF-F) 

Maintain in-home services model program for system-involved children and families 

The Intercept program is an evidence-based, comprehensive in-home service model designed to support families and youth from birth to age 18. Youth and their families qualify for the program if they are involved in any of the following: child welfare, children’s mental health, or juvenile justice systems. Original funding was provided through fiscal year 2026 to help children and families impacted by the fentanyl crisis. This budget ensures the program’s two sites stay open through June 2027. 

($872,000 GF-S, $1 million Private-Local Funds) 

Respond to substance use disorder in pregnant and parenting families 

A “Plan of Safe Care” (POSC) is a family-centered prevention plan designed to promote the safety and well-being of birthing parents and their infants with prenatal substance exposure. This budget expands POSC for substance-exposed infants to all birthing hospitals and for pregnant people in three additional counties. In addition, funding is provided to continue contracting for the Rising Strong model, which provides family-centered drug treatment and housing programs for families experiencing substance use disorder.  

($5.9 million GF-S) 

Fill service gaps for Tribal families to help them reunite with their children  

Tribal children are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system. Culturally responsive programs for Tribal families are limited in some regions of the state. Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) is an evidence-based program developed by the National Indian Child Welfare Association for helping Tribal families reunite with their children. Funding and staff are provided to implement PIP in three locations underserved by culturally responsive programming, including locations in Western and Eastern Washington. 

($777,000 GF-S, $112,000 GF-F) 

Blend preschool programs to improve social and learning outcomes  

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Department of Children, Youth and Families will distribute one-time grants to school districts to blend Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Transition to Kindergarten (TTK) classrooms. Some school districts offer both ECEAP and TTK but very few blend their programs. While ECEAP has income requirements and TTK does not, evidence shows mixed-ability and mixed-income classrooms lead to better social and learning outcomes for all children. This also further aligns ECEAP and TTK as complementary preschool programs. 

($2 million GF-S) 

Delay ECEAP entitlement while investing in rates and slots 

ECEAP is a preschool program that increases kindergarten readiness for three- and four-year-olds from low-income families. The program offers school day (six hour) and part day (three hour) slots. School day slots better meet the needs of working families and their children. Since 2013, nearly 10,000 slots have been added to the program in efforts to make ECEAP an entitlement by the 2026–27 school year. However, workforce challenges and budget constraints require adjusting the timeline to the 2030-31 school year. To support this updated plan, the Governor proposes:  

• An 18% rate increase for school day slots starting July 2025 to stabilize providers and build slot capacity 

• Creating 750 more school day slots starting July 2026 by converting 250 part-day slots to school day and adding 500 more school day slots 

• Rightsizing the program by capturing 845 unfilled part-day ECEAP slots as savings 

($48 million GF-S) 

Preserve current child care access and affordability 

Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) helps eligible families afford child care and has grown by 10,000 new families since the passage of the Fair Start for Kids Act in 2022. This was made possible by expanding eligibility to 60% of state median income (SMI), increasing provider payments to the 85th percentile of 2021 market rates, and lowering family copays. Despite serving a total of 30,000 families, 
WCCC still reaches only 77% of eligible families. This budget maintains progress toward closing the child care needs gap by maintaining current eligibility for WCCC but delays expansion to families with incomes up to 75% of SMI to fiscal year 2031.  

In recognition of the importance of child care, the governor also funds: 

• $510 million in DCYF’s base budget to raise provider subsidy rates up to the 85th percentile of 2024 market rates 
• $66 million to comply with new federal Child Care Development Fund rules, which align subsidy child care with the private market and are required to maintain access to this federal grant program 
• $4.8 million for eligible family outreach  

Governor Inslee does not take the delay of WCCC expansion lightly. It is a cost avoidance strategy that avoids impacting current families, preserves and optimizes child care access to families currently eligible, and invests in enhancements to rate and pay practices that stabilize providers. 

($582 million GF-S, $20.3 million GF-F)

Maintain rates for Independent Living providers

The one-time rate increase for Independent Living providers are made ongoing and permanent. Independent Living is a voluntary program designed to teach important life skills to current and former DCYF foster youth, including youth in care and those returned home, placed in a guardianship, or have been adopted. 

($1.5 million GF-S)

Screen children for trafficking and enhance efforts to locate missing Tribal youth  

The budget adds funding for two additional staff to screen commercially sexually exploited children statewide and integrate labor trafficking definitions into DCYF practices. These efforts allow the Department to meet its statutory obligations and will protect children. DCYF will also establish a missing Tribal youth locator position to address jurisdictional challenges with locating Tribal youth missing from care. 

($1.1 million GF-S) 

Complete LifeSet expansion to preserve program availability and quality 

LifeSet exists in King, Yakima, Spokane, and Snohomish counties. This funding will add two additional sites in Clark and Pierce counties and allow the state to leverage private philanthropic dollars for the program. LifeSet is a comprehensive, community-based intervention model designed to serve youth 17–22 years old who have been involved in the foster care, juvenile justice, or mental health systems or lack the necessary skills and resources to make a successful transition to adulthood.  

($1.4 million GF-S, $430,000 Private-Local Funds)

Open new juvenile rehabilitation center  

A new DCYF facility will open in early 2025 at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center and serve up to 48 young men ages 18–25. The facility will offer a unique leadership and peer mentor development program. This will address overcrowding at certain facilities and will ensure better access to services, education, and vocational programming. 

($33 million GF-S, $581,000 GF-F)  

Establish perimeter security at Echo Glen Children’s Center

Funding is provided to enhance the safety of the community, staff, and youth at Echo Glen. Enhancements include establishing a perimeter fence, improving perimeter lighting, and contracting for private security services. Construction is estimated to finish in the fall of 2025.  

($3.5 million GF-S)  

Support Reentry Opioid Use Disorder Intervention Program 

Youth in incarceration settings experience higher risk for opioid use and overdose. Positive Outcomes Through Supported Transitions (POST) is a highly successful opioid use intervention program provided by Seattle Children’s Hospital. Teams work with youth in the months before and after their release from incarceration.  

($2.1 million GF-S)

Maintain Fruit and Vegetable Incentive Program  

Access to fresh fruits and vegetables is an important way to address avoidable chronic diseases associated with poor nutrition and combat food insecurity. The Fruit and Vegetable Incentive Program provides additional financial support to low-income households to purchase fresh produce.  

($6 million GF-S)

Continue support for victims of violent crime 

The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) manages the Crime Victims Compensation program that provides compensation for victims of violent crimes and surviving family members of homicide victims. In fiscal year 2024, L&I received 9,449 claims and estimate 20,044 claims over the next two years. These funds pay for direct reimbursements to medical providers who treat victims, as well as benefit payments to individuals to cover temporary wage losses, long-term disability, and funeral expenses. Funding also pays for sexual assault exams to collect evidence for criminal prosecutions. 

($9.7 million GF-S, $1.4 million GF-F) 

Reduce workers' compensation caseload count 

L&I is charged with providing State Fund workers’ compensation Insurance benefits to over 3.8 million Washington workers, and processes 112,000 new injured worker claims annually. L&I is currently managing a 218-person caseload per each L&I adjudicator. The 2015 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee report recommends a 141-person caseload. Proposed funds pay for a new claim unit to reduce caseloads over time, resulting in quicker and more personalized service for employers and injured workers. 

($1.8 million Accident Account, $1.8 million Medical Aid Account) 

Expand capacity to service needs of Washington’s limited English proficiency workers 

Approximately 8% of Washington’s population has limited English proficiency and Latino workers have the greatest risk of on-the-job injuries according to Labor and Industries workers’ compensation data. Proposed funds pay for staff and the translation of Spanish materials such as print, social, and web content explaining worker rights and support resources. Expanding additional bilingual staffing will help serve the urgent needs of King and Clark counties to provide direct assistance to limited English proficiency workers through outreach efforts.  

($881,000 Accident Account, $887,000 Medical Aid Account) 

Continue support for poverty prevention program 

The Economic Security for All program supports local community efforts to deliver services that help individuals overcome poverty and achieve self-sufficiency. During the 2023–25 biennium, the state invested one-time funding to expand services to those over 200% of the federal poverty level. This budget makes that expansion permanent and will allow continued supportive services such as training, education, and other resources to help individuals maintain or secure employment.  

($5.4 million Employment Services Administrative Account-State) 

Maintain career-connected learning 

Since launching the Career Connect Washington initiative in 2017, the governor has remained committed to providing students with career-connected learning opportunities so they are prepared for high-demand, high-wage jobs. Funding is provided to increase this investment and fill a gap in lapsing federal funds. 

($6 million Administrative Contingency Account-State) 

Increase employment supports for justice-involved individuals 

The budget establishes a two-year employment support pilot to help implement Governor's Executive Order 24-03, Reentry 2030. The pilot consists of pre-and post-release employment readiness services for justice-involved individuals in Thurston, Snohomish, and Walla Walla counties. The intent of the pilot is to increase the rate of adults who are employed post-release and reduce recidivism rates.  

($2.7 million Employment Services Administrative Account-State) 

Increase capacity to process claims and respond to customer inquiries 

Funds are added for customer support staff for the Paid Family and Medical Leave and Unemployment Insurance programs to increase the department’s capacity to process claims and respond to customer inquiries in a timely manner. 

($10.8 million Family and Medical Leave Insurance Account-State, $11.2 million Employment Services Administrative Account-State)

Continue Corrections Academy expansion 

People hired as officers in local jails must complete a mandatory 2.5-month training course delivered by the Criminal Justice Training Commission. State law requires individuals to complete this training within six months of starting employment as an officer, yet the commission has not been able to provide enough training slots for the demand, and officers have faced long wait times. Last year the state doubled the number of training academies for these officers and saw wait times reduce from almost eight months to five. This proposal continues funding the academy expansion for two more years to keep the wait times within statutory requirements.  

($2.6 million GF-S, $870,000 GF-L)  

Reduce officer complaint investigation delays 

Since the 2021 reforms to state oversight of public safety officer accountability, the commission has experienced a sustained and significant increase in public complaints and agency notices of officer misconduct. This proposal increases the number of existing investigators by 50% to address the significant backlog of cases. Timely review, investigation, and resolution of these cases will maintain public trust, avoid potential further misconduct, and is fair to complainants, accused officers, and their law enforcement agencies.  

($1.4 million GF-S)

Criminal Justice Training Commission 

The governor’s proposed capital budget funds critical upgrades on the CJTC campus in Burien including construction of two new dormitory buildings, shooting range ventilation system upgrade, and HVAC upgrades in the mock city, virtual training center and modular building. Other projects include restroom renovations, roof replacements and American Disabilities Act upgrades on campus. 

($47.9 million State Building Construction Account) 

Washington State Patrol 

The Fire Training Academy at North Bend is in need of upkeep. Funding is provided for HVAC upgrades, roof replacements, and other building maintenance projects. 

($2.2 million State Building Construction Account)

Department of Commerce 

The Early Learning Facilities programs fund construction, renovation, and property purchases for school districts and eligible organizations to create and expand facilities for subsidized early learning. This increases capacity for early learning programs participating in the Early Achievers or Early Childhood Education and Assistance programs.

($58.6 million State Building Construction Account) 

Department of Children, Youth, and Families 

HVAC system upgrades, backup generators, and electrical upgrades are needed at Echo Glen Children’s Center in Snoqualmie and Green Hill School in Chehalis. These additional investments focus on safety improvements, including enhanced security for visitor screening and visiting centers and perimeter lighting. 

($22.6 million State Building Construction Account)

Department of Corrections 

The Washington Corrections Center for Women near Gig Harbor requires improvements for safety, functionality, and quality of care. These projects include a new unit for older adults. Security will be strengthened by replacing the perimeter fence and security system. 

Additionally, renovation and security upgrades will occur on several facilities across the state. 

($64.5 million State Building Construction Account)