SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 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. |
As of April 23, 2009
Title: An act relating to crisis residential centers.
Brief Description: Concerning crisis residential centers.
Sponsors: House Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Representative Kagi).
Brief History: Passed House: 4/20/09, 98-0.
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 4/24/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Staff: Michael Bezanson (786-7449)
Background: Crisis residential centers (CRCs) and secure crisis residential centers (SCRCs) are state-funded facilities available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a maximum five-day placement for runaway youth or youth in conflict with their families. Staff at the CRCs and SCRCs work to stabilize the youth by referring them and their families to counseling and treatment services. The maximum length of time a child can stay in a semi-secure or secure crisis residential center is 5 days.
The 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 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.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Proposed Amendments): Youth may remain at a semi-secure CRC for a maximum of 15 days per admission. The aggregate time a youth may spend at both a secure and semi-secure CRC may not exceed 15 days, and in no event may a youth's stay in a secure CRC exceed five days.
In the event a runaway youth appears at a Department of Social and Health Services office, the caseworker may take the youth to a secure CRC after notifying the youth's parents of the youth's whereabouts. The caseworker may not take a youth to a secure CRC if the caseworker has reasonable cause to believe the reason for the youth's runaway status is due to abuse or neglect.
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.