SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5885

            AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES,

                                 MARCH 6, 1991

Brief Description:  Providing community grants for programs for young adolescents.

SPONSORS:Senators L. Smith and Stratton.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5885 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Roach, Chairman; L. Smith, Vice Chairman; and Stratton. 

Staff:  Jan Sharar (786‑7472)

Hearing Dates:March 5, 1991; March 6, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The increased rates of teen suicide, teen pregnancy, juvenile crime, dropping out of school, reduced earning capacity, etc. are causing great concern among parents, educators, health care professionals, law enforcement and the community at large.  There are significant social, health and financial consequences for adolescents and adults that result from choices made during adolescence.

Prevention of costly social and health problems is believed by many to be best addressed through community efforts.  Many believe that successful efforts must reflect the needs of that community, examine how well the community's system of programs and activities are dealing with the problems, plan and implement improvements for targeted young adolescents and their families for success, develop incentive programs to recognize and reward adolescents who are making healthful choices and contributing to their communities and enhance parent and young adolescent interaction by promoting parent involvement.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Community Development (DCD) shall establish and administer a community based program targeting young adolescents for teen success.  DCD shall grant eight awards, by August 31, 1991, to applying communities after consideration of recommendations made by a committee appointed to evaluate submitted proposals.  Applications for the grants are due by July 1, 1991.    

The goal of the projects is to increase adolescent well-being.  The requirements of the projects are enumerated.  DCD shall submit a report to the Legislature on the progress of the projects by January 1 of each odd-numbered year beginning January 1, 1993.  Each organization receiving grant funds shall submit an annual report to DCD.  DCD shall contract with an independent entity to conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the projects and recommendations for a statewide community-based young adolescent success program.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The intent of the bill is clarified.  Grant awards must be made to both urban and rural communities.  Projects must address the goals as stated.

Appropriation:  $900,000

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

Effective Date:  July 1, 1991

TESTIMONY FOR:

Strengths of the bill include focusing on younger adolescents, involvement of business, achievement awards and mentoring.  Coordination of existing programs, multidimensional approach, and emphasis on youth and their families are all important elements.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Sharon Turner, Clark County Sheriff's Office; Mike Miller, Dare to Live; Margaret Martinez, Children's Budget Coalition/The Children's Alliance; Dawn Siler, Consortium of Health and Education Professionals; Laurie Lippold, Children's Home Society