SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2440
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. |
As of February 24, 2016
Title: An act relating to host home programs for youth.
Brief Description: Concerning host home programs for youth.
Sponsors: House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Kagi, Smith, McBride, Hargrove, McCaslin, Dent, Clibborn, Walsh, Walkinshaw, Scott, Sawyer, Ortiz-Self, Caldier, Hudgins, Senn, Robinson, Ormsby, Cody, Jinkins, Fey, Zeiger, Frame, Kilduff, Bergquist and Goodman).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/10/16, 95-1.
Committee Activity: Human Services, Mental Health & Housing: 2/22/16.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES, MENTAL HEALTH & HOUSING |
Staff: Alison Mendiola (786-7444)
Background: Host home programs link families who need temporary care for their children with families who are willing to provide temporary care for those children. The children are not in the care or custody of the state. Host home programs recruit and screen host families. Host home programs, and host homes, are not regulated by any state agency.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Proposed Amendment): It is clarified that host home programs and host homes operated by tax-exempt organizations serving youth not in the care of, or receiving services from, the Department of Social and Human Services (DSHS) that meet specific criteria are not considered an "agency" and therefore not subject to regulation by DSHS.
To meet this qualification, a host home program must:
perform background checks on those over 18 in the host home through the Washington State Patrol or equivalent and inspect the host home as part of their recruiting and screening for potential host homes,
screen and provide case management to youth in the program;
obtain notarized permission or limited power of attorney from the parent or legal guardian of the youth participating in the host home program. If a minor stays with a host home family longer than six months, the parents are to reauthorize their permission every six months:
obtain insurance for the program; and
provide mandatory reporter and confidentiality training.
Host home programs are mandatory reporters. Host home programs are to be registered with the Secretary of State (SOS). When the host home program files articles of incorporation or registers with the SOS, the host home program is to provide a notarized statement that the program is meeting its statutory requirements. The SOS has no duty to confirm that a host home program is meeting its statutory requirements, nor does a filing imply an endorsement by the SOS.
By July 1, 2017, the Department of Commerce is to report its recommendations and best practices for host home programs to the Governor and Legislature.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill will help those who run host home programs go back to their hometowns and help the community. Host home programs will not ask for local, state, or federal funding. Host homes will not replace foster homes as they do not serve state dependent children. The goal is to help families before a situation escalates. The programs are community based and don’t need state or federal policing.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Kagi, Prime Sponsor; Lori Cavender, Ryan's House For Youth/Executive Director; Jeff Judy, Olive Crest.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.