H-2926.2  _______________________________________________

                          HOUSE BILL 2439

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State of Washington      57th Legislature     2002 Regular Session

By Representatives O'Brien, Edwards, Schmidt, Benson, Jackley, Ballasiotes, Morris, Simpson, Van Luven, Lovick, Wood, Esser, Darneille, Ogden, Pflug and Haigh

Read first time 01/17/2002.  Referred to Committee on Children & Family Services.

Specifying services that should be available for children with developmental disabilities.

    AN ACT Relating to services for children with developmental disabilities; adding a new section to chapter 71A.18 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature recognizes the importance of the option provided in RCW 74.13.350 for the parent of a child with developmental disabilities to seek an out-of-home placement through a  voluntary placement agreement to obtain needed services for the child.

    It is the intent of the legislature that a child with developmental disabilities receive components of the current array of services and supports in the family home at a level of intensity such that entry into the voluntary placement program occurs only when necessary.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 71A.18 RCW to read as follows:

    The department shall provide appropriate components of the currently available services and supports array to an eligible child with developmental disabilities at a level comparable to that provided in the voluntary placement program, excluding the room and board component of that program.   The department shall assure that these services assist families in keeping the child in the family home until it is appropriate and feasible for the child to live elsewhere.  The department shall determine eligibility for services under chapter 71A.16 RCW.

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