5909-S.E AMH ELCS H3252.1

ESSB 5909  - H COMM AMD
     By Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services

     Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The family policy council shall conduct a review and survey of the service needs and gaps in transitional and independent living services available to eligible youth throughout the state. The council shall consider the relevant research already completed by other agencies and service providers, including but not limited to the greater Pierce county community network. By December 1, 2007, the council shall report to the appropriate policy committees of the legislature regarding their findings and shall recommend improvements to the delivery of services to youth who are preparing to transition out of foster care or who have transitioned from foster care to independent living.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 74.13 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department, in consultation with stakeholders, including foster youth, former foster youth, and the community public health and safety networks established by the family policy council, and based on the findings and recommendations of the family policy council under section 1 of this act, shall create a program for expanding and enhancing transitional and independent living services with state-funded services that supplement federally funded services. The program shall be designed to ensure continued access to federal funding and to make the most efficient use of federal and state funding in serving foster youth and former foster youth who are eligible for transitional and independent living services and supports.
     (2) The department shall report to the appropriate committees of the legislature regarding implementation of the program by December 1, 2009.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   Section 1 of this act expires January 31, 2008."

     Correct the title.

EFFECT:  Replaces all language in the underlying bill with: (1) A requirement for the Family Policy Council (Council) to survey the service needs and gaps for transitional and independent living services to foster youth and former foster youth; (2) a requirement for the Council to report back to the Legislature with its findings and recommendations; (3) a requirement for DSHS to implement a program to supplement federally funded services with state-funded services based on consultations with stakeholders and on the findings and recommendations of the Council; and (4) a requirement for DSHS to report back to the Legislature regarding implementation of the program.

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