Far-right legal group sues Washington officials over new runaway youth health care law

A far-right legal group is suing top Washington state officials in federal court over a new health care law for runaway youth. The legal challenge claims the new law violates parents' religious freedoms and custody rights.

The policy, which took effect last month, says that when kids run away from home and seek gender-affirming or reproductive health care, shelters can contact the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families instead of notifying their parents. The agency is then required to offer family reunification services. Previously, state policy required shelters to contact the runaway’s family directly.

The change has prompted pushback and protests from conservative lawmakers and groups since it was introduced during this year's legislative session.

But people tasked with implementing the policy point out it isn't the huge change critics say it is. Cole Ketcherside is a housing and homelessness prevention supervisor at the state's Department of Children Youth and Families.

"The main difference between before and now, is just who has responsibility for contacting the parent or guardian," Ketcherside said during an interview earlier this month. "That shifts from the shelter – the youth shelter provider – to DCYF."