HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESSB 6441

BYSenate Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Senator Kiskaddon)

Providing for training in positive discipline for day care providers and foster parents.

House Committe on Human Services

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (7)

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

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (1)

      Signed by Representative Padden.

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES FEBRUARY 24, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The issues surrounding child abuse and neglect have been researched in depth by the Legislature as well as by state and federal agencies. This research indicates that one way to become aware of those children who are victims of abuse is through the reports of day care providers.  Since children are seen daily by these care takers, distinguishing characteristics of abuse can be recognized and reported.  The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is in the process of preparing and distributing a brochure which will help child care providers recognize signs of abuse and neglect, but there is no plan to utilize training seminars which would provide greater in-depth education for day care providers.

Research has shown positive discipline techniques teach appropriate behavior and at the same time encourage respect and trust between persons in authority and the children they supervise.

SUMMARY:

BILL AS AMENDED:  The Department of Social and Health Services is to develop and provide day care providers and foster parents educational programs on positive discipline and child abuse recognition and reporting.  Age-specific programs are to be made available so the special needs of individual age groups are met.

Implementation of the program is to begin July 1, 1988.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE:  The appropriation is deleted and programs shall be developed and provided within available funds.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Bill Kiskaddon, Original Sponsor; Karen Tvedt, Department of Social and Health Services; and Pat Thibaudeau, Child Haven.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Positive discipline training will assist providers in avoiding the use of corporal punishment.  Day care and foster care providers are an important source of information about the children in their care and should be educated in how to recognize and report child abuse and neglect in order to improve the lives of those children.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.