| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Early Learning & Children's Services Committee | |
SSB 5830
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: Providing home visitation services for families.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Kauffman, Brown, Rasmussen, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe and Shin).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 3/20/07
Staff: Chris Alejano (786-7115).
Background:
Home visitation programs deliver services in the home to parents and children and aims to
alleviate the effects various family risk factors have on child development. Home visitation
programs share a focus on the importance of children's early years, the pivotal role parents play
in shaping children's lives, and the belief that one of the best ways to reach families with young
children is by bringing the services to them, rather than expecting those families to seek
assistance in the community. Offering the services in the home eliminates barriers such as
transportation and time and provides a more personalized experience by allowing families to
interact in a comfortable and natural environment. Current research provides significant
evidence of the effectiveness of home visitation programs as an early intervention strategy.
The legislature created the WCPCAN and the Children's Trust Fund in 1982. The WCPCAN is a
14-member, Governor appointed Council legislated to promote prevention of child abuse and
neglect, and to encourage and support effective community prevention efforts.
In 1993, the Legislature enacted HB 1991 authorizing the five agencies compromising the
Family Policy Council (the Department of Health, the Department of Social and Health Services,
the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, the Superintendent of Public
Instruction, and the Employment Security Department) to develop a program plan for the Home
Health Visitor Program for the purpose of preventing child abuse and neglect. Due to funding
constraints and other limitations, however, no coordinated program of home visitation services
was implemented.
Summary of Bill:
Definitions for the terms evidence-based, home visitation, and research-based are created.
Within available funds, the WCPCAN is granted authority to fund evidence-based and
research-based home visitation programs designed to improve parenting skills and outcomes for
children. The home visitation programs must be voluntary and be directed to serve families at
high risk of child abuse and neglect.
The Home Visitor Program in the Department of Health statute is repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.