HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6181

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 Passed House:

April 25, 2009

Title: An act relating to the intensive resource home pilot.

Brief Description: Concerning the intensive resource home pilot.

Sponsors: Senators Tom, Prentice and Fairley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Ways & Means: 4/25/09 [DP].

Floor Activity

Passed House: 4/25/09, 95-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Delays implementation of and removes reporting requirements relating to the Foster Care Intensive Resource Home Pilot Program.

  • Directs the Department of Social and Health Services to begin implementation of the Intensive Resource Home Providers Pilot Program when funding has been appropriated by the Legislature for the pilot, rather than by October 1, 2008.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 22 members: Representatives Linville, Chair; Ericks, Vice Chair; Alexander, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dammeier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Cody, Conway, Darneille, Haigh, Hinkle, Hunt, Hunter, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Pettigrew, Priest, Ross, Schmick, Seaquist and Sullivan.

Staff: Melissa Palmer (786-7388)

Background:

In 2008 the Legislature enacted Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 3145 (chapter 281, Laws of 2008) directing the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to implement phase one of a specialized foster parent program in two or more geographic areas with high concentrations of children with significant needs in foster care. The Intensive Resource Home (IRH) providers pilot program was to include a monthly stipend in addition to the foster care maintenance payment, as well as monthly consultations, annual training, and annual reviews of foster parents in the program.

The legislation required the DSHS to begin the IRH pilot program on or before October 1, 2008; however, implementation was delayed due to the freeze on new personal services contracts. Currently, there are no IRH providers and the payment of the monthly stipend has not begun. By September 1, 2009, the DSHS is required to report to the Legislature and Governor regarding a plan to expand the pilot project.

Summary of Bill:

The October 1, 2008 date is removed along with the specific dates for reporting to the Legislature and the Governor on the progress of the IRH pilot programs and a plan for expansion. When funding is appropriated by the Legislature, the DSHS must begin selection and negotiation of contracts with IRH providers in the pilot sites.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

None.

Persons Testifying: None.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.