SB 5834-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee to study the rates of juvenile offender case filings in counties across the state and focus on factors that may contribute to the difference in filing rates. The study shall contemplate data compiled over the past ten years in at least the following areas: (1) Referrals to the juvenile justice system;

(2) Arrest rates;

(3) Incarceration rates;

(4) Differences in risk assessment tools used over time and across geographical areas;

(5) Rates at which moderate and high-risk juvenile offenders are receiving delivery of programs which meet the Washington state institute for public policy's effectiveness standards for juvenile accountability programs, such as aggression replacement therapy, functional family therapy, and multisystemic therapy;

(6) Recidivism rates;

(7) Implementation of local laws focusing on juvenile offenders;

(8) Funding levels and sources of funding for programs directed at juvenile offenders;

(9) Demographic factors;

(10) Changes in the handling of cases involving juvenile offenders after implementation of the Becca bills; and

(11) The effects of the establishment of juvenile drug courts and treatment courts.

Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee to report its findings under this act to appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2005.

Expires January 1, 2006.