| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Early Learning & Children's Services Committee | |
SB 5258
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.
Brief Description: Concerning members of the Washington council for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Sponsors: Senators Regala, Stevens and Shin.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/23/07
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 6 other Governor appointed
members 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.