HB 1663-S - DIGEST


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Creates the prevention and intervention investment council 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 prevention and intervention programs with the goal of expanding the number and type of available evidence-based programs.

Provides that 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.

Directs the prevention and intervention investment council to 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.

Requires that 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 this act. This funding shall be limited to spending for services to families involved with the child welfare system.

Provides that, 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.

Provides that 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 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.