H-1621.1 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL 1901
_______________________________________________
State of Washington 55th Legislature 1997 Regular Session
By Representatives Mastin, Cooke, Kessler, Boldt, Tokuda, Quall, McDonald, Sherstad, Parlette, Cooper, McMorris, Dyer, Chandler, Backlund, Blalock, Kastama, Sullivan, Mulliken, Linville and O'Brien
Read first time 02/12/97. Referred to Committee on Children & Family Services.
AN ACT Relating to providing vouchers for pregnant minors; adding new sections to chapter 74.12 RCW; creating new sections; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that due to changes in federal and state law the number of pregnant teenagers who need alternative types of residences when they are unable to live with their families is increasing. The legislature also finds that young pregnant women can benefit from a structured environment that provides the opportunity to learn essential parenting and life skills.
Therefore the legislature recognizes the need to increase the number of adult-supervised homes for young pregnant women and assist in the cost of living in adult-supervised homes.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The definitions in this section apply throughout sections 3 through 5 of this act unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Adult-supervised supportive living arrangement" means a private family setting or other living arrangement, not including a public institution, that is maintained as a family setting, as evidenced by the assumption of responsibility for the care and control of the minor parent and dependent child or the provision of supportive services such as counseling, guidance, or supervision.
(2) "Department" means the department of social and health services.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The department shall operate a living assistance program that provides vouchers for pregnant unemancipated minors who are otherwise unable to live with their parents, other family members, or a legal guardian. The program shall provide one‑time vouchers that can be redeemed at state-approved adult‑supervised supportive living arrangements.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. Adult-supervised supportive living arrangements that qualify to participate in the program shall:
(1) Provide twenty-four hour per day adult supervision for minor residents; and
(2) Provide a strong program component that actively engages minor residents. Program components may include, but not be limited to, parenting skills, job-readiness, and financial counseling.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. The department shall actively seek to place pregnant minors with faith-based organizations that have a history of providing care for pregnant minors.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. Sections 2 through 5 of this act are each added to chapter 74.12 RCW.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 1997, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.
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