HB 2114-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/14/03)

Declares an intent to establish a new, integrated delivery system for family preservation and intervention services which assures that both research and community perspectives on effective prevention and intervention strategies guide program funding decisions.

Establishes a family preservation and intervention services legislative task force.

Requires the family preservation and intervention services task force to, at a minimum: (1) Propose a decision-making structure for the distribution of funds appropriated for family preservation and intervention services, which emphasizes community involvement and takes into account regional differences;

(2) Clearly define a request for proposal process for the distribution of funds appropriated for family preservation and intervention services, including a proposal for a system of rating proposals;

(3) Propose a formula for the equitable, statewide distribution of funds appropriated for family preservation and intervention services;

(4) Define populations to be served with funds appropriated for family preservation and intervention services, which must include families at risk of further involvement with child protective services and families whose children are at risk of being placed outside the home or who have already been placed outside the home;

(5) Identify services eligible for funds appropriated for family preservation and intervention services; and

(6) Determine criteria that programs must meet in order to qualify for funds appropriated for family preservation and intervention services, including, at a minimum, identification of: (a) Clear, measurable outcomes; (b) research that may be applicable; (c) anticipated cost-effectiveness; (d) broad community involvement, support, and partnerships; and (e) provision of data related to program outcomes.

Requires the family preservation and intervention services task force to report to the governor and the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the legislature on the results of its work no later than December 1, 2003.