SB 5830

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 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.

As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Human Services & Corrections, February 21, 2007

Sponsors: Senators Kauffman, Brown, Rasmussen, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe and Shin.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5830 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, Marr and McAuliffe.

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 of Bill: Within available funds, the Council must fund evidence-based, research-based, and promising programs for home visitation for improving skills and outcomes for children. "Evidence-based program," "home visitation," "promising program," and "research-based program" are all defined.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED SUBSTITUTE AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Human Services & Corrections): Home visitation services are made voluntary, focusing on families at high risk of child abuse and neglect. The references to promising practices is removed. The definition of evidence-based and research-based programs is made consistent with definitions in the mental health statute.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Parents are a child's first teachers. All parents need support. These programs are voluntary and target the families at highest risk of child abuse or neglect. Many of the families served are living below the poverty level.

Child abuse and neglect is a cycle with a high human cost. Many children who are abused or neglected become violent criminals. Abuse and neglect also represents a high economic cost to the state in terms of our child welfare and criminal justice systems. Parents need to know about the resources that are available to them and the options they have for making better choices for their children. The state has an obligation to look after vulnerable children.

The research is clear that high-quality home visitation programs make a difference. It is suggested that the Legislature support an array of research-based programs so that communities can choose the best fit. Washington Council on the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect does fund a number of models.

"Crime reduction" should be added to the list of benefits of home visitation in the bill.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Kauffman, prime sponsor; Linda Clark, Providence Maternal and Child Health; Bill Mahoney, Cowlitz County Sheriff; Laura Wells, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids; Kathy Zeisel, Parents as Teachers State Office, Parent Trust for Washington Children; Cathy Garland, Children's Home Society of Washington; Kristen Rogers, Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.