HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 812

BYRepresentatives Leonard, Lewis, Scott, Brekke, Moyer, Winsley, Padden, Brooks, J. Williams, S. Wilson, Wang, Nutley, Jesernig, Cole, Ebersole, Armstrong, Lux, Jacobsen, Cooper, Bumgarner, R. King, Cantwell, Valle, May, P. King, Wineberry, Rasmussen, Rayburn, Todd and Miller

Authorizing a feasibility study of statewide data-base clearinghouses for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

House Committe on Human Services

Majority Report:     The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (9)

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

House Staff:Jean Wessman (786-7132)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES MARCH 4, 1987

BACKGROUND:

While national clearinghouses exist for the dissemination of information on child abuse and neglect, it is often quite time-consuming to obtain those materials.  Frequently, more state-specific information is desired.

Currently no state-wide clearinghouse of child abuse and neglect material exists.  Information on current programs, research and potentially promising future prevention programs is scattered among the various concerned groups and agencies.  It is suggested that a centralized repository of data would prove beneficial to all those groups involved in preventing child abuse and neglect.

SUMMARY:

SUBSTITUTE BILL:  The Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect is authorized to carry out a feasibility study of creating a state-wide database clearinghouse.  The clearinghouse shall include information on:  1) current and future prevention programs; 2) current research on prevention; 3) available resources including audio-visual and testing resources; and, 4) current state and tribal law on child abuse and neglect.

A report from the council is due January 1, 1988 to include designs for a clearinghouse, costs, placement and funding sources.

An appropriation of $50,000 is made to the Council and an expiration date of July 1, 1988 is established.

SUBSTITUTE BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  The report date is moved from May 30, 1988 to January 1, 1988.

Appropriation:  $50,000 to the Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

Fiscal Note:    Attached.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:     Representative June Leonard, Bill Sponsor;  Jerry Wasson, Department of Social and Health Services; Robert Ott, Citizen; Robert Hunner and Kip Tokuda, Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect; Ron Wagner, Washington State Medical Association; Margie Kranz, Juvenile Code Education Project; and Jackie Stenger, Washington Association for the Education of Young Children.

House Committee - Testified Against: None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:     National clearinghouses are very difficult, time-consuming and expensive from which to obtain information on child abuse and neglect prevention programs.  In addition, their reports often do not include the results of the programs referenced.  In order to create and fund innovative and effective abuse and neglect prevention programs, the state needs a state-specific central clearinghouse for research and evaluation materials.

House Committee - Testimony Against: None Presented.