H-0654.1 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL 1413
_______________________________________________
State of Washington 52nd Legislature 1991 Regular Session
By Representatives Wineberry, Jacobsen, Prentice and Anderson.
Read first time January 29, 1991. Referred to Committee on Human Services\Appropriations.
AN ACT Relating to treatment programs for African-American juvenile offenders; adding a new section to chapter 13.40 RCW; creating new sections; and making an appropriation.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that a destructive lifestyle of drug and street gang activity is rapidly becoming prevalent among the state's African-American youth. African-American youth in this state are more likely to become addicted to drugs or alcohol, live in poverty, experience high unemployment, be incarcerated, and die of violence than other youths. The legislature also finds that the needs of African-American youth who are involved in criminal activity are not currently being met by state programs. These youth can benefit from the establishment of programs which seek to restore physical, mental, and spiritual health; instill an interest in learning; teach respect for others; foster self esteem and pride; and foster the establishment of positive ties with the community. Therefore, the legislature directs the department of social and health services to establish a three-step transitional treatment program for African-American youth in the custody of the department under chapter 13.40. RCW
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 13.40 RCW to read as follows:
The department shall contract with a community-based nonprofit organization to establish a three-step transitional treatment program for African-American juvenile offenders committed to the custody of the department under this chapter. Participation in the program shall be on a voluntary basis. The program shall provide six to twenty-four months of treatment. The program shall emphasize the principles of self-determination, unity, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, and creativity. The three-step program shall include:
(1) An institution-based program which shall provide comprehensive drug and alcohol services, individual and family counseling, and a wilderness experience of constructive group living, rigorous physical exercise, and academic studies;
(2) A community-based structured group living program which shall focus on individual goals, positive community involvement, coordinated drug and alcohol treatment, coordinated individual and family counseling, academic and vocational training, and employment in apprenticeship, internship, and entrepreneurial programs; and
(3) A transitional group living program which shall provide support services, academic services, and coordinated individual and family counseling.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) The department of social and health services shall contract with an independent research organization to conduct an evaluation of the model program established under section 2 of this act. The evaluation shall include a review of the type of offender served, services provided, effects on educational and vocational achievement, and recidivism. The evaluation shall also include a determination of the program's applicability to other groups of juvenile offenders.
(2) The organization selected shall provide a preliminary report on the model program to appropriate standing committees of the senate and house of representatives by September 15, 1992. A final report shall be submitted to appropriate standing committees of the senate and house of representatives by January 15, 1993.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. The sum of _______________ dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1993, from the general fund to the department of social and health services for the purposes of this act.