Title: An act relating to family reconciliation services.

Brief Description: Authorizing educators to request family reconciliation services for students.

Sponsors: Senators McAuliffe, Stevens, Hargrove, Carrell, Franklin, Keiser and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 2/1/05, 2/14/05 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5460 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, McAuliffe and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: Families with children experiencing conflict may benefit from a variety of services to address their specific needs. Parents with children who are out of control, absent from school or home, or who may have mental health or substance abuse issues which need to be addressed can request Family Reconciliation Services from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Family Reconciliation Services are designed to assist the family in developing skills to resolve problems themselves. They may also refer families to specialized services for specific needs. This can for example, include medical, mental health, financial, legal or substance abuse counseling services. Current law allows families to request Family Reconciliation Services from DSHS.

Summary of Substitute Bill: Teachers may refer families to the Department of Social and Health Services for family reconciliation services and schools can provide a list of community resources for teachers to share with families, compiled by DSHS, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Family Policy Council.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: Teachers may refer families to the Department of Social and Health Services for family reconciliation services and schools can provide a list of community resources for teachers to share with families, compiled by DSHS, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Family Policy Council.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: There are concerns about requesting services for the family. It would be preferred that families were referred to DSHS for services.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: David Del Villar Fox, Children's Administration, Department of Social and Health Services; Laurie Lippold, Children's Home Society.