Washington's Confidential Youth Helpline
In June, we shared with you about Washington’s new “HearMeWA”, statewide, confidential youth helpline. The helpline is available 24/7/365 and mental health records are confidential from parents.
In the wake of the recent elections, it's crucial for parents and citizens to be aware of the laws and policies that may pose risks to their children and families. Being well-informed is the first step in taking measures to safeguard your loved ones.
*Down the rabbit hole, with CLA/CLW founder, Julie Barrett
When my husband and I first came face-to-face with Washington state’s anti-parent laws in 2021, I became concerned (okay, obsessed) with tracing the laws and policies and funding that made it possible for a social worker at Seattle Children’s Hospital and our distressed 14-year-old to make mental health and medical decisions in our place.
3 1/2 years later, I still cannot help myself from going down the rabbit hole to find out “how we got here.” I share this rabbit hole with you because I hope it opens your eyes to what is going on, I hope it helps you protect your family and I hope it motivates you to engage in the fight to save our children.
(Thanks to my friend TJ Martinell over at The Center Square for sending me down my latest rabbit hole.)
It always starts with a “work group.” Some Republicans tend to justify their support of a [bad] bill to create a work group because…”it’s only a work group.”
Many bad policies start with a work group. Take a look at the graph below. (imagine on the far right is SB 5599 (2023))
Over the last year and a half we’ve put out an abundance of information about SB 5599 which allows the state of WA to hide your child if they are seeing an abortion or so-called “gender affirming care.” Your child can be shuttled to a host home or shelter and you will not be notified. It’s unconstitutional, but Washington democrats do not care about that and they can get away with it.
*notice the exit button in the top right - that’s in the event a parent walks in
What is HearMeWA?
"For young people who are struggling:Every concern deserves attention. Not sure where to get help? HearMeWA provides support if you, a friend, or classmate are going through a tough time. If you have a concern, we want to hear about it and offer support.”
Per the AGO (Attorney General’s Office) report, HearMeWA is: An Antiracist, Youth-Centered and Trauma-Informed Program
HearMeWA intends to be a holistic program that meets youth’s safety and well-being needs by linking them to existing support systems. It will receive and respond to a wide range of tips including, but not limited to: bullying, suicide ideation, violent threats, and sexual abuse. This program will be available statewide, provide support to youth 24/7/365, offers an app, text, chat, and phone line, and serve youth up to the age of 25.
Maybe this sounded like a good idea back in 2016 when this project really got “legs”, but given the legislation of the last couple years, I think most would agree, this program is a problem.
So let’s take a look back at the details of this.
The funding for this project came through funding in the operating budget, rather than through specific legislation. The budgets have been passed primarily along party lines, although the 2019 budget (ESHB 1109) did receive the yes votes of 3 Republican senators, including current minority leader John Braun (the other two are no longer serving).
In 2021, SB 5327, sponsored by 4 Republicans and 3 Democrats was introduced in the senate.
The bill would have created a youth safety and well-being tip line. It passed out of the senate but died in the house during the 2021. But fear not, the democrats liked the “meat” of this bill so much they worked the $2.5 MILLION in funding into the 2021 budget (SB 5092) which passed along party lines in both the Senate and the House. The project moves forward.
I’ve highlighted a few interesting notes in the “key findings” from the 2022 youth survey (that your children are taking!)
Youth are concerned with racism, hate crimes, LGBQIA2S+ (why? Is this something they are coming up with on their own? Are teachers, social media influencers contributing to this answer?)
They want their information kept private and don’t want police involved. (In WA there has been an effort by elected officials to reduce police involvement in…everything)
Privacy - they don’t want “people they know” (parents?) to know (really dangerous in a state like WA)
You might be thinking…”it’s a good thing Washington passed I-2081, the Parents Bill of Rights” this year.”
Yes, it IS a good thing. However. The democrats were quite clear when they passed this initiative that they would repeal it immediately if it “caused harm” to LGBTQ youth in any way.
On March 9th, Senator Lisa Wellman, chair of the K-12 Education Committee (D-41) said: “we stand prepared to change the law should aspects of it not function as intended and put at risk ANY member of the LGBTQ+ community or threaten in any way a person’s right to reproductive care. We stand with the LGBTQ+ community, which is why we have been very deliberate about this initiative. Moving forward, we will be ready to address any parts that are misused counter to our state’s inclusive values and strong legal protections.”
Last week, on June 5th, Washington OSPI Chris Reykdahl stated in a press release: “Our state’s guidance has maintained that, in order to protect student privacy and safety, schools should communicate with students who disclose they are transgender or gender expansive about the student’s individual needs, preferences, and safety concerns,” Reykdal continued. “It is the student’s decision when and if their gender identity is shared, and with whom.”
I 2081 is a good step in the right direction, for sure! However, it’s a small step on a very long journey in Washington and parents must remain vigilant in protecting their children, especially those that are in public schools and on social media.
So why is this a problem?
Washington public schools actively promote the 988 line to students. If your child calls the 988 line and the operator decides that your child should be seen by a doctor, the medics will show up at your door for your child, you won’t have anything to say about it and your child is whisked off to the local emergency room and then likely to an acute care facility for 7-10 days, during which time the “professionals” are discussing sexuality with your child. Potentially, your child will not come home - if they express their desire for so-called “gender affirming care.”
You need to know there is a very strong and orchestrated (not to mention well-funded) effort to influence kids into gender confusion and alienate them from loving parents. You need to understand how it is done, when and where it is done, so that you, the loving parent, can protect your child from these “queer activists.”
TAKE ACTION: If I had known then what I know now, as soon as my children turned 13, I would have had them sign a release of information with every single provider (even the dentist) and our insurance company (insurance can’t speak to you about your child’s account without a release). Do not wait - do this immediately at 13 years of age.
If this stuff bothers you even half as much as it bothers me, I would encourage you to join our fight - become a subscribing member (click the subscribe button below) or make a financial contribution so my team and I can continue the work we do and grow our efforts. The change will come when enough concerned citizens like you and me decide to take a stand and speak up!