BILL REQ. #:  H-1810.2 

READ FIRST TIME 02/18/05.   

     AN ACT Relating to development and funding of evidence-based prevention and intervention services; and adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that there is credible evidence that certain well-implemented prevention and intervention programs can achieve significantly more benefits than costs. As research continues to develop, the array of proven prevention and intervention programs continues to expand. By keeping abreast of the latest research and investing in proven prevention and intervention programs, the state can ensure the best possible return on the investment of the state's resources.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Evidence-based" means a program or practice for which there is consistent scientific evidence showing that the interventions improve client outcomes.
     (2) "Research-based" means a program or practice that has some research demonstrating effectiveness, but that does not yet meet the standard of evidence-based.
     (3) "Theory-based" means a program or practice that has general support among treatment providers and experts, based on experience or professional literature, may have anecdotal or case-study support, and has potential for becoming a research-based program or practice.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The prevention and intervention investment council is hereby created to direct and support the following:
     (1) The investment of state resources in evidence-based prevention and intervention programs in the state; and
     (2) Ongoing research and evaluation of sound, theory-based and research-based prevention and intervention programs with the goal of expanding the number and type of available evidence-based programs.
     In conducting its work, the council shall consult a broad range of available research, including research conducted by the Washington state institute for public policy on prevention and early intervention programs.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   (1) The prevention and intervention investment council shall develop and maintain a defined menu of evidence-based prevention and intervention programs that have been demonstrated to achieve significantly more benefits than costs with respect to the two following outcomes: Reduction in child abuse; and reduction in child neglect.
     (2) The council shall also develop guidelines for implementation of the identified programs, which shall address quality control, adherence to program design, monitoring, and evaluation.
     (3) By July 1, 2006, the council shall identify additional outcomes for which it shall develop and maintain defined menus of evidence-based prevention and intervention programs that have been demonstrated to achieve significantly more benefits than costs with respect to those outcomes.
     (4) The council shall encourage public and private efforts to support training of state staff and service providers and to expand capacity for the provision of theory-based, research-based, and evidence-based prevention and intervention services.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   (1) The prevention and intervention investment council shall consist of ten members as follows:
     (a) The secretary of the department of social and health services, the secretary of the department of health, and the director of the office of financial management;
     (b) Three individuals appointed by the governor, two of whom shall be researchers; and
     (c) Two members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, one of whom shall be a member of the majority caucus and one of whom shall be a member of the minority caucus, and two members of the senate appointed by the president of the senate, one of whom shall be a member of the majority caucus and one of whom shall be a member of the minority caucus.
     (2) Members of the council shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.240 and shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
     (3) The council shall employ an executive director who is exempt from the provisions of chapter 41.06 RCW. The council may fix the compensation of the executive director. The executive director may employ such other staff as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
     (4) The council shall create a prevention and intervention investment work group to provide technical support to the prevention and intervention investment council.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6   Twenty percent of state spending for alternate response systems, family preservation services, and early intervention public health nurse services shall be spent on evidence-based prevention and intervention programs identified by the prevention and intervention investment council pursuant to section 4(1) of this act. This funding shall be limited to spending for services to families involved with the child welfare system. With the approval of the council, the department of social and health services may spend up to ten percent of the amount provided in this section to meet costs of staffing, training, and information system changes necessary to implement this act.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 7   Existing state entities that support prevention and intervention programs, including but not limited to the Washington council for the prevention of child abuse and neglect, the family policy council, and the governor's juvenile justice advisory committee, shall focus on funding sound, theory-based and research-based prevention and intervention programs with the goal of expanding the number and type of available evidence-based programs. These state entities shall coordinate their activities with the activities of the prevention and intervention investment council.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 8   Sections 1 through 7 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 43 RCW.