Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS

Early Learning & Children's Services Committee

SB 5258


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning members of the Washington council for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Sponsors: Senators Regala, Stevens and Shin.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Adds the director of the Department of Early Learning to the Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (WCPCAN).

Hearing Date: 3/23/07

Staff: Chris Alejano (786-7115).

Background:

The legislature created the Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (WCPCAN) in 1982 to assist private and public agencies in identifying and establishing community based educational and service programs for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The WCPCAN is comprised of 14 members consisting of a chair person and 13 other members including the secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services (or the secretary's designee); the Superintendent of Public Instruction (or the superintendent's designee); the secretary of the Department of Health (or the secretary's designee); four members of the Legislature (designated as non-voting members of the council); and 6 other Governor appointed members who have an interest and expertise in the prevention of child abuse (four of whom may not be affiliated with governmental agencies).

The WCPCAN funds and administers community-based parenting and skills programs, conducts public education campaigns to increase the public's knowledge of good parenting techniques, and administers programs for reducing child abuse. The WCPCAN contracts with non-profit organizations, schools, and individuals to carry out its mandate.

The Department of Early Learning (DEL) was established in 2006 as an executive branch agency whose primary duties are to implement early learning policy and to coordinate, consolidate, and integrate child care and early learning programs to promote an efficient use of funds.

Summary of Bill:

The director of the DEL, or the director's designee, is added to the WCPCAN. The WCPCAN shall be comprised of 15 members including the chairperson and 14 other members.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.