Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was created in 2017. In 2018 the DCYF assumed responsibility over child welfare and early learning functions previously held by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Department of Early Learning. On July 1, 2019, the DCYF assumed responsibility over juvenile justice programs previously administered by the DSHS.
Oversight Board for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
The Oversight Board for the DCYF (Oversight Board) was created in 2017, along with the creation of the DCYF. The Oversight Board held its first meetings in 2018. The Oversight Board is authorized for the purpose of monitoring and ensuring that the DCYF achieves certain outcomes and complies with policies and rules.
The Oversight Board has powers to:
The Oversight Board consists of 21 members, including:
Nonlegislative members of the board are nominated by the Governor, subject to approval of the appointed legislators, and serve four-year terms. When nominating and approving members of the Oversight Board, the Governor and appointed legislators must ensure that at least five of the Oversight Board members reside east of the Cascade Mountain range.
The Oversight Board must convene at least two stakeholder meetings per year regarding contracting with the DCYF. The Oversight Board must also review surveys of providers, customers, parent groups, and external services to assess whether the DCYF is effectively delivering services.
Washington State Partnership Council on Juvenile Justice.
The Washington State Partnership Council on Juvenile Justice (Council) was established by executive order as a state advisory group for matters pertaining to juvenile justice in Washington and functions as a common point of analysis, planning, and advocacy for youth involved in the juvenile justice system or youth at risk of involvement with that system. There are 26 appointed Council members. The DCYF convenes the Council and provides staff support through the DCYF Office of Juvenile Justice.
The membership of the Oversight Board for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families is modified to:
The substitute bill eliminates the requirement in the underlying bill for the Oversight Board for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to convene subcommittee meetings.
(In support) The Oversight Board for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (Oversight Board) was created in 2017 during a year with many special sessions. The Oversight Board has in important place in ensuring success for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
It is very difficult to fill all the Oversight Board membership slots. This bill would change a couple of the positions to allow more flexibility in the membership slots to allow more options of people to include.
It is also important to hear the voices of individuals with experience in juvenile justice and foster care.
The most important thing in this bill is to expand the age range of the members with experience with foster care and juvenile justice.
(Opposed) None.