Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
Juvenile Justice & Family Law Committee |
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HB 1028
Brief Description: Studying programs for at-risk youth intervention.
Sponsors: Representatives Dickerson, Delvin, Kagi, O'Brien, Kenney and Upthegrove.
Brief Summary of Bill |
• Directs the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to conduct research and recommend to the legislature criteria, processes, and institutional arrangements so that best practices could be state-certified and reductions in the justice system caseloads and cost savings could be estimated. |
Hearing Date: 1/23/03
Staff: Trudes Hutcheson (786-7384).
Background:
The Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) is a research organization created by the Legislature to provide nonpartisan research at legislative direction on issues of importance to Washington.
In May 2001, the WSIPP published its report, The Comparative Costs and Benefits of Programs to Reduce Crime, which focused on the economics of various nationwide programs designed to reduce criminal behavior in adults and juveniles. The WSIPP research found, among other things, that: (a) certain programs, especially designed for juvenile offenders, can improve the effectiveness of Washington's criminal justice system; (b) some programs studied do not lower criminality and have negative economic bottom lines; and (c) evaluations of the programs are necessary to determine if outcomes are being achieved in a cost-beneficial manner. The report did not address what changes were needed for the state to implement best practices or how to forecast caseloads, crime reduction, or savings as a result of implementing the programs.
Summary of Bill:
The WSIPP is directed to conduct research necessary to develop and make recommendations to the Legislature regarding the criteria, processes and institutional arrangements needed to:
(1) State-certify proven best practices in intervention and prevention programs focused on youth at risk for involvement in the adult and juvenile justice systems;
(2) estimate any resulting reductions in the state justice system caseloads; and
(3) estimate the unit cost and the total cost savings for the intervention and prevention
programs.
The findings and recommendations must be reported to the Legislature by December 15, 2003.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 15, 2003.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on May 1, 2003.