SB 5872-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Creates a joint task force to determine the most appropriate and effective administrative structure for delivery of social and health services to the children and families of the state. The joint task force shall study how best to ensure that an administrative structure has defined lines of responsibility for delivering services to children and families in need and the best means for the public to hold government accountable for delivery of those services. The joint task force shall compare the effectiveness of: Including social and health services to children and families within an umbrella agency, such as the current department of social and health services; establishing a separate agency for social and health services to children and families whose administrator reports directly to the governor; or creating a children and family services cabinet reporting directly to the governor. The joint task force shall, as part of the comparison, examine the administrative structures used in other states to deliver social and health services to children and families.

Directs the joint task force to also make recommendations concerning the costs, benefits, savings, or reductions in services associated with the various administrative structures considered by the joint task force.

Requires the joint task force to report its recommendations to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2005.