Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Early Learning & Human Services Committee

HB 1928

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Sponsors: Representatives Fey, Kagi, Jinkins, McBride, Senn, Robinson, Walkinshaw, Tharinger, Tarleton, Appleton, Kilduff, Ortiz-Self, Bergquist, Gregerson, Ormsby, Pollet and Goodman.

Brief Summary of Bill

Directs the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to conduct an analysis to identify characteristics of the homeless youth population from birth to age 10.

Background:

In 1999 the Washington State Legislature passed the Hope Act, which required the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development and the Department of Social and Health Services to develop a collaborative approach to serving homeless families. Additionally, the Hope Act established two service programs, HOPE Centers and Responsible Living Skills programs, for street youth who have who have no family support or for whom foster placements have not been successful.

The Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) conducted three evaluations of the Hope Act that examined characteristics of street youth, utilization of HOPE Centers and Responsible Living Skills programs, and services provided to program participants. Since the publication of the most recent evaluation in 2002, WSIPP has not conducted a robust study examining the characteristics of younger homeless children in Washington.

Summary of Bill:

The WSIPP is authorized to conduct an analysis to identify characteristics of the homeless youth population from birth to age 10. Included in the analysis should be a survey of the best practices of other states and recommendations to the Legislature regarding the most cost-effective ways to support this population. To the extent possible, the WSIPP must identify the number of homeless youth in Washington from birth to age 10 and the average length of homelessness for this population. The report is due to the Legislature by December 31, 2015 and a final report must be submitted by June 30, 2016.