SB 6430

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6430

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 07, 2008

Title: An act relating to a pilot program to increase family participation in juvenile offender programs.

Brief Description: Creating a pilot program to increase family participation in juvenile offender programs.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6430 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, Marr and McAuliffe.

Background: Washington has invested significantly in juvenile offender treatment programs identified as having a positive cost-benefit ratio for taxpayers. Some evidence-based programs identified by the Washington State Institute of Public Policy demonstrate increased rates of success for juvenile offenders when the family of the offender participates appropriately in the program. In 2005, the Legislature authorized county legislative authorities to raise sales and use taxes by one tenth of a percent for the purpose of providing new or expanded chemical dependency and mental health treatment programs.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) must establish a pilot program in two counties, one urban and one rural. To be eligible to act as a pilot site, a county must have imposed the sales and use tax authorized by RCW 82.14.460. The pilot program is intended to promote increased participation by families in juvenile offender programming by providing a monetary incentive for families who make a good faith effort to participate in a program recommended by the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration. DSHS must establish guidelines to determine when the child has demonstrated appropriate financial need to participate in the program. DSHS must contract with the University of Washington (UW) to provide support and assistance. DSHS, in cooperation with UW, must evaluate the results of the program and provide a preliminary report to the Legislature by December 1, 2010, and a final report by December 1, 2012.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): The pilot program must take place in two counties, one urban and one rural, to be selected by DSHS.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: This will increase family participation in juvenile offender treatment programs by reducing the financial burden of participation. The more motivated the family is, the more effective these programs are. The treatment programs that will be affected by the pilot have been studied and are cost effective for taxpayers. The public supports rehabilitation over incarceration for juvenile offenders.