Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Ways & Means Committee |
HB 2346
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning crisis residential centers.
Sponsors: Representative Kagi.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 4/14/09
Staff: Melissa Palmer (786-7388)
Background:
In 1995, Washington implemented policies for at-risk youth known as the Becca Bill, Chapter 312, Laws of 1995 (E2SSB 5439). The policies included court intervention for at-risk youth and provisions for mandatory treatment of youth with chemical dependency problems. The bill also established secure crisis residential centers.
Crisis residential centers (CRCs) and secure crisis residential centers (SCRCs) are state-funded facilities available 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week and provide a maximum five-day placement for runaway youth or youth in conflict with their families. Staff the CRCs and SCRCs work to stabilize the youth by referring them and their families to counseling and treatment services.
SCRCs are designed and operated to prevent youth from leaving the facility without parental or staff permission. Law enforcement officers may transport runaway youth or youth in determined to be in dangerous situations to a SCRC. These facilities have locking doors, locking windows and a secured perimeter designed to prevent the youth from leaving the facility. Generally, youth admitted to a SCRC must remain for a minimum of 24 hours before the youth can be transferred to a less restrictive placement.
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) contracts for 44 SCRC beds and 34 CRC beds statewide.
Summary of Bill:
The DSHS is only required to provide the CRC and SCRC services to the extent that funding is appropriated in the operating budget or otherwise available, and the DSHS has no responsibility to provide the services if funds are not specifically appropriated for the purpose or available.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on April 10, 2009.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.