SENATE BILL REPORT

2SSB 6832

BYSenate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Nelson, Talmadge, Niemi and Rasmussen)

Authorizing a study of the state's juvenile rehabilitation system.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 31, 1990; February 1, 1990

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6832 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

     Signed by Senators Nelson, Chairman; McCaslin, Vice Chairman; Hayner, Madsen, Newhouse, Niemi, Patrick, Rasmussen, Talmadge, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Cliff Petersen (786-7457)

                February 1, 1990

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 5, 1990; February 6, 1990

Majority Report:     That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6832 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass.

     Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Bailey, Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Fleming, Gaspard, Hayner, Johnson, Lee, Newhouse, Niemi, Saling, Talmadge, William, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Randy Hodgins (786-7715)

                February 14, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 13, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Across the country, a variety of organizational approaches are utilized in the delivery of juvenile rehabilitation services.  Some states consolidate adult and juvenile corrections while others utilize a human services cabinet agency or a separate agency for all children's services.  Some states have a centralized model for the delivery of such services while others rely on a totally decentralized local community approach.

Juvenile rehabilitation programs in Washington State are provided through a combination of state and county services.  Organizationally, state juvenile rehabilitation services are provided through the Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Juvenile Rehabilitation (DJR).

It has been suggested that an in-depth review of juvenile rehabilitation services is timely and appropriate since six years have lapsed since the last review and questions are emerging regarding the proper organizational structure and situs for delivering juvenile rehabilitation services.

SUMMARY:

The Office of Financial Management (OFM) is directed to conduct a juvenile rehabilitation study.  The study is to review the mission and goals of the state's juvenile rehabilitation system, make recommendations regarding the roles of the various juvenile justice agencies in meeting the mission of the juvenile justice system, review and make recommendations on the Division of Juvenile Rehabilitation's comprehensive plan.  The study is also to recommend what organizational structures would best protect public safety, make the best use of juvenile and criminal justice agencies, and which promotes the mission of the juvenile rehabilitation system.  The Office of Financial Management is to report its findings to the Legislature by December 1, 1990.

The Office of Financial Management is to form an advisory committee that includes the Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services, the Secretary of the Department of Corrections, a law enforcement representative, a county legislative official, two juvenile court administrators, a prosecuting attorney, a public defender who practices juvenile law, a community based treatment provider, two members of the Senate and two members of the House, and one representative from a citizen advisory group.

The bill is made contingent upon funding in the state budget.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Appointments by Legislature Required: Two members from the Senate; two members from the House of Representatives.

Senate Committee - Testified:   LAW & JUSTICE:  Sid Sidorowicz, Governor's office (pro); T.K. Bentler, Washington Correctional Assoc. (pro); Chase Riveland, Secretary, Department of Corrections (pro)

Senate Committee - Testified:   WAYS & MEANS:  No one