Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Human Services Committee

HB 1429

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.

Background:

The Individual Family Support Program, provided through the Division of Developmental Disabilities, supports families while caring for a family member with developmental disabilities in their home. Families may receive the following services:

respite care;
therapies;
home and motor vehicle modifications;
specialized nutrition and clothing;
transportation;
training;
behavior management;
education; and
recreational opportunities.

Respite care is a service provided to parents who live with and take care of their children with developmental disabilities. It allows these parents to have a "respite" from the demands of caring for their son or daughter 24 hours per day, 7 days per week or to allow time to run errands and take care of other matters outside of the home. A parent may hire an independent care provider who comes into the home or takes the son or daughter on an outing. Under some circumstances, parents may take their child to a licensed facility for a period of hours. The number of respite hours allotted may vary. They may be taken pursuant to a set schedule, but more often, they are taken sporadically when the need arises. Only care providers who are parents are allowed to receive respite services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Summary of Bill:

As parents grow older and less able to take care of their children with developmental disabilities, other family members have taken over that responsibility. Respite services would be provided for a sibling, grandparent, or other person if they, rather than the parent, are the primary care provider who provides personal care in the home of the adult person being cared for.