SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6467

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 5, 1992

Brief Description:  Establishing within the governor's office, the Washington council on children, youth, and families.

SPONSORS: Senators Stratton, Roach, Craswell, Talmadge, McDonald, L. Smith, Vognild, Owen, Rasmussen, W. Hansen, Murray, Saling, Snyder, Skratek, von Reichbauer and Gaspard

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Staff:  Richard Rodger (786‑7461)

Hearing Dates: February 6, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The primary goal of public involvement in families is to strengthen the family.  It is believed that the involvement must develop with the changing nature of society.  Communities must become more involved in the planning and decision making process to better respond to the needs of the children and families.

SUMMARY:

In serving children and families the state shall seek to maintain their dignity and respect while building upon their inherent strengths.  The state shall focus public policy towards involving communities in all levels of planning, delivery, and evaluation of children and families' services.

The Washington Council on Children, Youth, and Families is created within the Governor's office.  The council shall have 12 voting members appointed by the Governor, six ex officio nonvoting members from the Governor's cabinet, and four nonvoting members from the Legislature.

The council shall: 1) review public and private programs, policies, and services to ensure that the goals of this act are met; 2) search for interdepartmental gaps, inconsistencies, and inefficiencies; 3) advocate for system-wide changes; 4) facilitate joint planning and coordination; 5) accept gifts, appropriations, grants, and loans; 6) disseminate information on effective programs; 7) encourage the formation of local community councils; and 8) regularly report to the Governor and the Legislature.

The Governor may take whatever action is necessary to avoid the duplication of these efforts by any other councils, commissions, or committees.

Appropriation:  unspecified

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 5, 1992