S-1630.1  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6056

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      57th Legislature     2001 Regular Session

By Senators Long, Hargrove, Costa, Stevens and Kohl‑Welles

Read first time 02/15/2001.  Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

Providing for department of social and health services coordination of services for children and families in child dependency cases.

    AN ACT Relating to the department of social and health services coordination of services for children and families in child dependency cases; adding a new section to chapter 13.34 RCW; and creating new sections.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The department of social and health services serves parents and children with multiple needs, which cannot be resolved in isolation.  Further, the complexity of service delivery systems is a barrier for families in crisis when a child is removed or a parent is removed from the home.  Efforts must be undertaken to streamline the delivery of services, limiting the number of places, providers, or programs that a family must contact and work with.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 13.34 RCW to read as follows:

    The department of social and health services shall develop methods for coordination of services to parents and children in child dependency cases.  To the maximum level possible under current funding sources, initial assessments should involve a professional with dual or multiple credentials, who is able to determine the need for mental health, substance abuse, developmental disability, or other services.  Assessment criteria should screen for multiple needs, and treatment plans should be developed for the individual needs of the client in a manner that minimizes the number of contacts the client is required to make.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  The department of social and health services shall report to the legislature by August 15, 2001, regarding its methods for coordination of services under the provisions of this act.

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