Brief Description: Regarding the joint task force on the administration and delivery of services to children.

Sponsors: Representatives Schual-Berke, Walsh, Dickerson, Haler, Darneille, Hinkle, Roberts, Pettigrew, Dunn and Kagi.

Hearing Date: 2/2/06

Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).

Background:

In the 2005 legislative session, the Legislature created the joint task force on the administration and delivery of services to children and families. The task force was directed to study two main areas:
1) how best to ensure that an administrative structure has defined lines of responsibility for delivering services to children and families in need; and
2) the best means for the public to hold government accountable for delivery of those services.

The joint task force met seven times between August and November 2005. The report from the task force was presented to the House Children and Family Services Committee in a work session on January 11, 2006.
The task force report makes three recommendations.
1) The task force should be granted an extension to meet for an additional 12 months to gather supplementary information before making final recommendations.
2) Membership of the task force should be enhanced to include a member representing the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Office of the Public Defender, and the Governor's office.
3) A one-half full-time equivalent (FTE) staff or consultant position should be created and funded to provide support to the task force until final recommendations are submitted.

Summary of Bill:

The three recommendations of the joint task force are implemented. Three additional members will be added representing the Offices of the Governor, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Public Defender. Staff to the task force may include consultant services, and a one-half FTE will be devoted to the task force.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested.

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