Brief Description: Extending the kinship care oversight committee and its duties.

Sponsors: Representatives Pettigrew, Hinkle, Kagi, Walsh, Schual-Berke, McDonald, Clibborn, Dickerson, P. Sullivan, Roach, Orcutt, Darneille, Morrell, Wallace and Santos.

Hearing Date: February 2, 2005.

Staff: Sonja Hallum (786-7092).

Background:

In 2001, the Legislature directed the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) to study the prevalence and needs of families who are raising related children. In June 2002 the WSIPP issued a report describing the prevalence and characteristics of kinship care, needs of kinship care providers in the state, policies and services available in Washington and other states, and policy options that may increase appropriate kinship care placements.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) convened the Kinship Caregiver Workgroup to review the WSIPP report and develop a briefing for the Legislature identifying the policy issues related to kinship caregivers, the federal and state statutes associated with these issues, and options to address the issues.

The Kinship Care Workgroup presented recommendations to the Legislature in November 2002 including the recommendation that the Legislature mandate and fund an ongoing committee of relative caregivers and others to oversee the implementation of the recommendations in the report and continue future work on kinship care in the state.

In 2003, the legislature passed HB 1233 which related to improving services for kinship caregivers. The bill created an oversight committee charged with the responsibility to monitor, guide, and report on kinship care recommendations and implementation activities. The committee was required to report to the legislature by December 1, 2004 and was due to expire in January 2005.

Summary of Bill:

The DSHS is required to continue the Kinship Care Oversight Committee. The responsibilities of the committee are changed to include the requirement that the Committee provide consultation on the implementation of the recommendations contained in the WSIPP kinship care report.

A requirement is added that the DSHS consult with the Kinship Care Oversight Committee on its efforts to better collaborate and coordinate services to benefit kinship care families.

Finally, the requirement to report to the legislature and the expiration date for the committee are not included in the bill.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.