BILL REQ. #:  H-2119.1 

READ FIRST TIME 03/04/03.   

     AN ACT Relating to developing criteria to ensure quality control in research-based treatment programs for juveniles; and creating new sections.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The legislature finds that:
     (a) Recent studies suggest that research-based treatment programs, such as aggression replacement training and functional family therapy, used within the juvenile justice system reduces recidivism rates only if such programs are delivered competently; and
     (b) When research-based treatment programs are delivered competently, they ultimately save the state more money than they cost to run.
     (2) Therefore, the legislature declares that:
     (a) Ensuring competence within research-based treatment programs is necessary for juveniles to receive the optimal chance at rehabilitation and for the state to get the highest rate of return on its money;
     (b) Ensuring competency within research-based treatment programs includes, but is not limited to, finding and hiring qualified providers, training and continually educating providers, managing and overseeing the delivery of treatment services, and retaining quality providers; and
     (c) Effective quality control within research-based treatment programs is vital to making these programs work.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   In order to establish a specific measuring tool that state agencies in the juvenile justice system can use to ensure quality control and competent delivery of research-based treatment services to youth, the Washington state institute for public policy shall develop general criteria designed to ensure adherence to proven practices in research-based treatment programs. For the purposes of determining funding, the legislature may require an agency to demonstrate how it has met the criteria. The criteria shall include measures for ongoing and accurate monitoring and tracking of competent treatment delivery and for continual improvement of treatment delivery. The criteria must be developed and presented to the legislature by January 1, 2004.