SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8010

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Children & Family Services & Corrections, February 21, 2003

Brief Description: Petitioning the Department of Social and Health Services and the Superintendent of Public Instruction to improve access to information regarding organizations dedicated to improving child protection.

Sponsors: Senators McAuliffe, Stevens, Regala, Franklin, Keiser, Eide, Kohl-Welles, Winsley, Shin and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Children & Family Services & Corrections: 2/11/03, 2/21/03 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Joint Memorial No. 8010 be substituted therefor, and the substitute joint memorial do pass.

      Signed by Senators Stevens, Chair; Parlette, Vice Chair; Carlson, Deccio, Hargrove, McAuliffe and Regala.

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: Child abuse and neglect have long-term consequences on the health, education and welfare of children in Washington State. Prevention programs and nongovernmental agencies to improve child protection can reduce child maltreatment. Access to helpful information about programs with proven outcomes can improve results in these areas.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services and the Superintendent of Public Instruction should identify the best means to annually share information with school districts about programs with demonstrated success in reducing or preventing child abuse. This information should be made available on the Office of the Superintendent Internet web site.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The substitute bill corrects the definition of "prevention programs." The Washington State Family Policy Council is added as a third agency to consult about programs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Testimony For: The definition of "prevention programs" should be corrected and interdependent program and funding relationships should be created.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Byron Manering, Brigid Collins Family Support Center, Bellingham, Wa. (pro).