SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5975
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
Title: An act relating to the Washington family policy council.
Brief Description: Adding the director of the office of public defense and the director of the department of early learning to the family policy council.
Sponsors: Senators Hargrove, Stevens, Carrell, Regala, Rasmussen and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 2/20/07, 2/21/07 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, Marr and McAuliffe.
Staff: Shani Bauer (786-7468)
Background: In 1992, the Washington State Legislature enacted the Family Policy Initiative,
which created the Family Policy Council to design and carry out principle-centered, systemic
reforms to improve outcomes for children, youth and families. The Legislature also codified into
state statute the Family Policy Principles as guideposts for these reforms.
The Council is composed of the heads of the five state agencies that handle children and family
services, four members of the Legislature, and a representative from the Governor's office. The
five state agencies are the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Department of
Social and Health Services, the Department of Health, the Employment Security Department, and
the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development.
One of the Council's main activities is working with the State's Community Public Health and
Safety Networks to prevent important social problems such as child abuse and youth substance
abuse. These networks are community-based volunteer boards, developed to give local
communities more autonomy and resources to help improve the lives of children and families in
their communities. The boards provide recommendations for policy changes to improve state and
local child and family serving systems.
Summary of Bill: The Director of the Office of Public Defense and the Director of the Department of Early Learning are added as members of the Family Policy Council.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The addition of both the Department of Early Learning and Office of Public Defense (OPD) to the council is consistent with the council's mission and purpose. The OPD represents parents in about one-half of dependency cases. Many times the ability to obtain services ordered by the court is one of the largest hurdles. The OPD believes that it's presence on the council is important to provide input in how these services are delivered to parents.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Joanne Moore, Office of Public Defense; Laura Porter, Family Policy Council; Margie Reeves, Thurston Community Network.