SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6056
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Human Services & Corrections, February 22, 2001
Title: An act relating to the department of social and health services coordination of services for children and families in child dependency cases.
Brief Description: Providing for department of social and health services coordination of services for children and families in child dependency cases.
Sponsors: Senators Long, Hargrove, Costa, Stevens and Kohl‑Welles.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 2/22/01 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6056 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Costa, Vice Chair; Carlson, Franklin, Hewitt, Kastama, Kohl‑Welles, Long and Stevens.
Staff: Joan K. Mell (786‑7447)
Background: Child dependency cases concern abandonment, abuse, or neglect of a child. In these matters, families may be dysfunctional for multiple reasons, and it is the rare case where only one condition exists that limits the parent's ability to care for his or her child. However, service delivery systems have been established through various funding streams at different agencies, divisions, and the courts. As a result, a person with a criminal history, mental health concerns, chemical dependency issues, and child safety issues must work with a myriad of different entities to obtain necessary services. The person who is not functioning is least able to represent his or her own interests in navigating the system and obtaining services needed to be functional.
Summary of Substitute Bill: The Department of Social and Health Services must develop methods for coordination of services to families in child dependency cases.
Assessment criteria should screen for multiple needs.
Treatment should be developed for the individual needs of the client in a manner that minimizes the number of contacts the client has to make.
The department must access multi-disciplinary training for staff.
The department must report back to the Legislature.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: Technical language changes are made to clarify intent and to accommodate department concerns.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 15, 2001.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: The bill makes sense and encourages good social work practice. The bill is compatible with the concept of accreditation. The National Association of Social Workers supports the legislation.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: PRO: Charles Shelan, Community Youth Services; David Stewart, Pierce Co. RSN; Laurie Lippold, Children's Home Soc.; Lonnie Johns‑Brown, NASW; Marianna Conner, DSHS Children's Adm.