HB 1841-S - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Finds that investment in effective prevention and early intervention services: (1) Produces immediate and long-term improvements for children and families; and

(2) Avoids future public costs in education, child welfare, substance abuse, health, and mental health treatment, law enforcement and the courts, and juvenile and adult corrections.

Requires the children's administration in the department of social and health services to identify and implement criteria for funding prevention and early intervention services and programs that are either state-operated or contracted. The criteria must require that funded programs, at a minimum: (1) Define clear, measurable outcomes;

(2) Identify research that may be applicable;

(3) Identify anticipated cost-effectiveness;

(4) Describe broad community involvement, support, and partnerships; and

(5) Provide data related to program outcomes.

Recognizes the importance of evaluation and outcome measurements of prevention and early intervention programs in order to ensure the cost-effective use of public funds.

Directs the Washington state institute for public policy to conduct a review of existing research to identify specific research-proven prevention and early intervention programs that pertain to families involved with or at risk of becoming involved with child protective services.

Requires the Washington state institute for public policy to report its findings to the appropriate committees of the legislature no later than January 1, 2004.