SENATE BILL REPORT
ESHB 2752
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. |
As of February 24, 2010
Title: An act relating to the safety of runaway youth.
Brief Description: Modifying provisions relating to providing shelter to a minor.
Sponsors: House Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Dickerson, Orwall, Walsh, Goodman, Kagi, Roberts, Pedersen, Green, Santos and Nelson).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/16/10, 95-3.
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 2/23/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS |
Staff: Jennifer Strus (786-7316)
Background: Any person providing shelter to a minor who knows the youth is absent from home without parental permission is required to notify the youth's parent, law enforcement, or the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) of the youth's location within eight hours of becoming aware that the youth is away from home without permission.
Summary of Bill: Licensed youth shelters or organizations whose stated purpose is to provide services to homeless or runaway youth and their families must comply with the following notice requirements when providing services to a youth who is known to be away from home without permission:
Within eight hours, shelter staff must notify DSHS or local law enforcement to confirm that the youth is currently safe and off the streets. Staff cannot disclose the whereabouts of the youth to law enforcement or DSHS unless the youth's parent already has been notified of the information.
Within 72 hours, and preferably within 24 hours, shelter staff must notify the youth's parent of the whereabouts of the youth, a description of the youth's physical and emotional condition, and the circumstances surrounding the youth's contact with the shelter or organization. If there are compelling reasons not to notify a parent, including but not limited to the potential the child will be subjected to child abuse or neglect, the shelter or organization must instead provide the information to DSHS.
Upon receiving notice from a youth shelter regarding a youth seeking shelter, local law enforcement agencies and DSHS must make a good faith effort to notify the parent and convey that the youth currently is safe and off the streets. DSHS and law enforcement must not disclose the whereabouts of the youth, if known.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Competition for youth on the streets are predators. Parents do need to know where there children are but also want to make sure they are safe. Seventy-two hours is a good time period because relationships in the shelter have been established and the staff have a better opportunity to figure out what the issues are with the youth. Some youth do not want their parents to know where they are right away because they feel ashamed of what has happened. Youth shelters provide a safety net that competes with predators out there trying to take advantage of youth on the street. This bill would allow youth shelters the time to make a difference. Eight hours is a very short period of time to work with youth –often they come to the shelter and they are hungry, tired, scared, and staff need a bit more time with them. It is not unusual to have youth leave the shelter once they are informed that staff must call their parents within eight hours.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Jim Theofelis, Mockingbird Society; Jason Kovacs, Children and Youth Legislative Advocacy Clinic at the UW; Melinda Giovengo, Youth Care; Charles Shelan, Community Youth Services.