HB 1841 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Directs the department of social and health services to establish and implement uniform criteria for funding prevention and early intervention services and programs that are either state-operated or contracted. The uniform funding criteria must mandate that all funded programs, at a minimum: (1) Define clear, measurable outcomes;

(2) Are research-based;

(3) Can demonstrate their anticipated cost-effectiveness;

(4) Can demonstrate broad community involvement, support, and partnerships; and

(5) Conduct an evaluation of their program outcomes.

Requires the department of social and health services, the department of community, trade, and economic development, the department of health, the office of superintendent of public instruction, and the Washington council for prevention of child abuse and neglect to report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the legislature by April 1, 2004, regarding the implementation of the funding criteria for prevention and early intervention services and programs required under this act.

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 produce a positive return on the dollar compared to the cost of the program. The Washington state institute for public policy shall also identify possible mechanisms for funding such programs.

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.