Title: An act relating to children of incarcerated parents.

Brief Description: Establishing an interagency plan for children of incarcerated parents.

Sponsors: Senators Delvin, Hargrove, Regala, Roach, Kohl-Welles, Keiser, Kline and McAuliffe.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 1/27/05, 1/31/05 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5407 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Brandland, Carrell, McAuliffe and Stevens.

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: Children of incarcerated parents face a variety of obstacles directly related to their parents' incarceration. Unstable living situations, financial hardship and social stigma all contribute to the likelihood that these children will experience difficulty in school, be at greater risk for substance abuse and may engage in criminal activity themselves.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The Department of Corrections (DOC) will partner with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to develop an interagency plan to provide services for children of incarcerated individuals. The plan will identify existing state services, methods to improve collaboration among programs and new services needed . The plan will address areas for further research to support long term services to this population.

DOC and DSHS will form an oversight committee to develop this interagency plan. The oversight committee will include members with decision-making authority from the following organizations: DOC, DSHS, Children's Administration, Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, courts, prosecutors, public defenders, community agencies and caregivers. The plan will be developed by June 30, 2006 and an interim report is due January 1, 2006.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs replaces law enforcement membership on the oversight committee.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 26, 2005.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: Yes.

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

Testimony For: We need to coordinate services for these children. This bill will help agencies work together to address the needs of children separated from their parents.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Senator Delvin, prime sponsor; Belinda D. Stewart, Dept. of Corrections; Greg Williamson, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; Laurie Lippold, Children's Home Society.