HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2477

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                       Human Services

Title:  An act relating to chemical dependency services for sexual assault and domestic violence victims.

Brief Description:  Providing chemical dependency services for sexual assault and domestic violence victims.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Bray, Forner, Ebersole, Ludwig, Appelwick, H. Myers, Riley, Leonard, R. King, Anderson, Hargrove, Wynne, Sprenkle, J. Kohl, Pruitt and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Human Services, February 6, 1992, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Leonard, Chair; Riley, Vice Chair; Winsley, Ranking Minority Member; Tate, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Anderson; Beck; Brekke; Hargrove; Hochstatter; R. King; and H. Myers.

Staff:  Melissa Pailthorp (786-7118).

Background:  According to human service professionals, the connection between substance abuse and sexual abuse is increasingly apparent.  Often, when victims of abuse receive counseling services, their substance abuse is not recognized.  Similarly, substance abusers may receive treatment for chemical dependency, but are not recognized as assault victims.  Many professionals believe that identifying the relationship between these problems is essential to breaking the cycle of abuse.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is required to develop a curriculum for chemical dependency counselors, staff and volunteer workers of domestic violence programs, childhood sexual abuse programs, and sexual assault programs.  The curriculum will train volunteer workers and staff together in the same setting.

For the first year, the department will select two sites in the state that have chemical dependency, sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, and domestic violence programs. By January 1, 1994, the department will review the program and make any necessary modifications.  The training will then be expanded state-wide to all individuals involved with these programs.

After December 31, 1993, any chemical dependency counselor employed by a state-approved chemical dependency treatment facility will be required to receive the training.  Also, any service contracts let by the department to rape crisis, sexual assault and domestic violence shelters and safe homes will require staff to receive the training.

An appropriation of $25,000 is made from the state drug enforcement and education account to DSHS to develop the curriculum and provide training.                  

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The substitute bill clarifies language specifying for whom the curriculum is developed and who shall receive the training.  It also specifies that individuals receiving the training are responsible for passing on the information provided to the clients they serve.

Fiscal Note:  Requested January 24, 1992.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Appropriation:  An appropriation of $25,000 is made from the state drug enforcement and education account to DSHS for development of the curriculum and the first year of the program.

Testimony For:  Human services professionals are seeing the connection between substance abuse and sexual assault victims more and more frequently.  This curriculum will educate counselors in each of these areas about the linking issues between substance abuse and sexual assault, allowing them to better serve their clients.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Representative Bray, Prime Sponsor; Mary Panorillo, Washington Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Lonnie Johns-Brown, Washington Coalition for Sexual Assault Victims and National Organization of Women; and Ken Stark, Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Services (ADATSA).