HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6117

BYSenator Kiskaddon

Creating a pilot program of volunteer support for families with a developmentally disabled child.

House Committe on Human Services

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives Brekke, Chair; Scott, Vice Chair; Anderson, Leonard, Moyer, Padden, H. Sommers, Sutherland and Winsley.

House Staff:John B. Welsh, Jr.  (786-7133)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES FEBRUARY 23, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Families who care for their developmentally disabled children at home are often under a great deal of stress due to the intense nature of the care required by these children.  Families, friends and community members may be willing to assist families voluntarily with a developmentally disabled child if there were a program in place which would provide the proper training for services required by the individual child.

Support, training and advice on how to make life more pleasant for developmentally disabled persons and their families may best be provided by people who have experienced similar problems.

SUMMARY:

BILL AS AMENDED:  The Developmental Disabilities Planning Council is to contract with local nonprofit organizations for volunteer parent-to-parent support programs that will provide assistance to parents with developmentally disabled children.  These programs are to be implemented in consultation with county developmental disabilities boards.

Families who have experience in dealing with a developmentally disabled child are to be matched with parents of a newly diagnosed developmentally disabled child so that knowledge about the child's and family's needs can be provided.  In addition, education and training for coping with the special needs associated in raising developmentally disabled children is provided.

The Council is to prepare a report to the legislature by January 1, 1990, evaluating the program and the unmet needs.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  The scope of the parental support program is narrowed to volunteer parent-to-parent support.  Respite services are no longer covered.  The appropriation of one-hundred-seventy-five thousand dollars is stricken.

The emergency clause is stricken.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Bill Kiskaddon, Prime Sponsor; and Steve Schain, Washington Assembly Citizens with Disabilities.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This program will provide great assistance to parents with developmentally disabled children. The use of parent participation in volunteer parent-to-parent support programs and in the provision of in-home family support services will help families in caring, raising and coping with their developmentally disabled children.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.