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).

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections
House Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services
House Committee on Appropriations

Background: The Legislature established the Washington Council on the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (Council) in 1982. The Council comprises 14 members who are charged with contracting with organizations or individuals for the establishment of programs designed to reduce the occurrence of child abuse and neglect and promote good parenting skills. Members include designees of the Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Secretary of the Department of Health, as well as other persons selected for their interest and expertise in the prevention of child abuse. Four legislative members serve as ex officio members of the Council.

Summary: The Washington Council on the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect is renamed the Children's Trust of Washington.

Within available funds, the Children's Trust of Washington must fund evidence-based and research-based home visitation programs for parents to improve parenting skills and improve outcomes for children. "Evidence-based program," "home visitation," and "research-based program" are all defined.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      46   0
House      95   2   (House amended)
Senate            (Senate refused to concur)
House      97   1   (House amended)
Senate      45   0   (Senate concurred)

Effective:   July 22, 2007