Title: An act relating to investments in cost-effective intervention programs for juvenile justice-involved youth.

Brief Description: Establishing a reinvesting in youth program.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Dickerson, McDonald, Moeller, Darneille, Jarrett, Simpson, Morrell, Sommers, Kenney, McDermott, Kagi, Chase and Clibborn).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/09/06, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 2/21/06, 2/23/06 [DP].

Ways & Means: 2/27/06 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, McAuliffe and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Shani Bauer (786-7468)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Doumit, Vice Chair, Operating Budget; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Kohl-Welles, Parlette, Pflug, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schoesler and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Elaine Deschamps (786-7441)

Background: In 2003, the Legislature directed the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) to review research assessing the effectiveness of prevention and early intervention programs concerning children and youth. In particular, the Legislature was interested in having the WSIPP identify programs that have a demonstrated ability to reduce crime, lower substance abuse, improve educational outcomes, decrease teen pregnancy, reduce teen suicide attempts, lower child abuse or neglect, and reduce domestic violence.

The WSIPP published the results of its review and related issues in a report entitled Benefits and Costs of Prevention and Early Intervention Programs for Youth, in September 2004. The WSIPP found that some prevention and early intervention programs for youth can give taxpayers a good return on their dollar. These programs are listed, with others, in the report.

Based on the results of the report, the WSIPP made several recommendations:

• Select a state entity to develop a blue chip prevention program list;
• Develop program selection criteria to identify what programs are worthy of investment;
• Determine methods for a reimbursement arrangement; and
• Monitor quality control and conduct outcome evaluations.

The enacted 2005-07 budget transferred $997,000 in state funding from the Governor's Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee to the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration for the establishment of a Reinvesting in Youth pilot program to award grants to up to three counties for research-based early intervention services that target juvenile justice-involved youth and reduce crime.

Summary of Bill: The Department of Social and Health Services Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA) is required to establish a Reinvesting in Youth Program (Program) for the purpose of awarding grants to counties to implement research-based early intervention programs that target juvenile justice-involved youth and reduce crime.

Any county or group of counties may apply to participate in the Program. The JRA, in consultation with the WSIPP, must establish guidelines for determining which counties will be awarded funding. At a minimum, participating counties must meet a list of stated criteria.

Counties participating in the Program will have a portion of their costs of implementing the program reimbursed by the state. The amount of the reimbursement is dependent on the calculation of cost savings to the state. Service models utilized by the counties must meet stated criteria in order to receive funding.

Beginning in 2006, the WSIPP is required to publish a list of service models that are eligible for reimbursement through the Program. The WSIPP is directed to update the cost savings methodology beginning in 2006 and thereafter as necessary.

The JRA must:

• Form a technical advisory group to assist in Program implementation;
• Establish and periodically update a distribution formula to provide funding to local governments that are implementing the Program.
• Submit a report of the initial cost savings methodology to the Legislature by October 1, 2006; and
• Establish a state quality assurance program to monitor services funded by the Program and ensure adherence to service model design.

The Reinvesting in Youth Account is created in the State Treasury to reimburse local governments for implementation of the Program. The JRA is directed to review and monitor expenditures from the account.

The bill is null and void if not funded, creates no entitlements to counties, and takes effect July 1, 2006.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For (Human Services & Corrections): This bill concentrates on evidence based practices in juvenile rehabilitation and intervention. We have focused on evidence based practices in health and now we are using it here for children about to enter the juvenile justice system. Kitsap and Jefferson counties teamed up together for one of the pilot projects authorized last session. Eighty-one percent of youth have successfully completed the program and the county has seen a 30 percent drop in youth crime. This program focuses on the most effective programs that will actually save the state money in the long run.

Testimony Against (Human Services & Corrections): None.

Who Testified (Human Services & Corrections): PRO: Representative Dickerson, prime sponsor; Ned Delmore, Kitsap County Juvenile Court Administrator for the Juvenile Court Administration; Jim Street, Director, Reinvesting in Youth Project.

Testimony For (Ways & Means): This program will save state dollars by reducing juvenile and adult crime. By expanding resources for evidence-based, family-focused, cost-effective programs, recidivism will be reduced by more than the cost of these programs so will save taxpayers money.

Testimony Against (Ways & Means): None.

Who Testified (Ways & Means): PRO: Ned Delmore, Kitsap County Juvenile Court Administrator for the Juvenile Court Administration; Jim Street, Director, Reinvesting in Youth Project.