SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   ESHB 2477

            AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES,

                               FEBRUARY 26, 1992

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

SPONSORS: House Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Bray, Forner, Ebersole, Ludwig, Appelwick, H. Myers, Riley, Leonard, R. King, Anderson, Hargrove, Wynne, Sprenkle, J. Kohl, Pruitt and Rasmussen)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. 

      Signed by Senators Roach, Chairman; Stratton, and Talmadge.

Staff:  Richard Rodger (786‑7461)

Hearing Dates: February 24, 1992; February 26, 1992

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:

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.

The department will select two sites in the state for first year training sites.  The sites must 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.

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

Appropriation:  $25,000 from the state drug enforcement and education account to DSHS

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 24, 1992

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The appropriation from the state drug enforcement and education account is lowered to $10,000 to reflect the need indicated in the department's fiscal note.

TESTIMONY FOR:

This curriculum will cross train chemical dependency counselors and staff from domestic violence and sexual assault programs.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Representative Lane Bray, original prime sponsor; David Brenna, DSHS