HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1791
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Early Learning & Children's Services
Title: An act relating to the Washington council for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Brief Description: Concerning members of the Washington council for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Sponsors: Representatives Schual-Berke, Walsh, Kagi, Haler, Roberts, Hunter, Appleton, Pettigrew, Kenney, Santos, Ericks, Dickerson and Moeller.
Brief History:
Early Learning & Children's Services: 2/16/07, 2/20/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Kagi, Chair; Haler, Ranking Minority Member; Walsh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Hinkle and Pettigrew.
Staff: Chris Alejano (786-7115).
Background:
The Legislature created the Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and
Neglect (WCPCAN) in 1982 to assist private and public agencies in identifying and
establishing community based educational and service programs for the prevention of child
abuse and neglect. The WCPCAN is comprised of 14 members consisting of a chair person
and 13 other members including the Secretary of the Department of Social and Health
Services (or the secretary's designee); the Superintendent of Public Instruction (or the
superintendent's designee); the Secretary of the Department of Health (or the secretary's
designee); four members of the Legislature (designated as non-voting members of the
council); and six other members appointed by the Governor who have an interest and
expertise in the prevention of child abuse (four of whom may not be affiliated with
governmental agencies).
The WCPCAN funds and administers community-based parenting and skills programs,
conducts public education campaigns to increase the public's knowledge of good parenting
techniques, and administers programs for reducing child abuse. The WCPCAN contracts
with non-profit organizations, schools, and individuals to carry out its mandate.
The Department of Early Learning (DEL) was established in 2006 as an executive branch
agency whose primary duties are to implement early learning policy and to coordinate,
consolidate, and integrate child care and early learning programs to promote an efficient use
of funds.
Summary of Bill:
The Director of the DEL, or the director's designee, is added to the WCPCAN. The
WCPCAN shall be comprised of 15 members including the chairperson and 14 other
members.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The WCPCAN has been around for awhile now and with the new Department of
Early Learning it makes sense for the two agencies to be able to talk to each other given the
overlapping interests and work being done by each agency. The concept of the bill helps
ensure that communication and collaboration happens between the WCPCAN and the
Department of Early Learning.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Joan Sharp, Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.