Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Early Learning & Human Services Committee

SB 5147

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:

In 1995 the Legislature enacted Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5439, which required any person providing shelter to a youth on known runaway status to report the location of the youth to a parent, guardian, law enforcement, or the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The report had to made within eight hours of learning that the youth was on runaway

status.

In 1996 Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2217 required the DSHS to make a good faith effort to notify parents of a youth on known runaway status that a report was received and to use family reunification services to resolve any conflict.

In 2010 the Legislature enacted Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2752 (ESHB 2752), which introduced new requirements for licensed youth shelters or organizations whose stated mission is to provide services to homeless or runaway youth and their families. The new provision required licensed youth shelters or licensed organizations to report the youth's admission to the shelter within have 72 hours. The preferred time frame, under the bill, was within 24 hours. The notification had to include the following: the youth's location, the physical and emotional condition of the youth, and the circumstances surrounding the youth's contact with the shelter. If there were compelling reasons not to notify the parent, the licensed shelter or organization had to notify DSHS.

Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2752 further added a provision that required shelter and organizational staff to consult with the Washington State Patrol (WSP) to determine if the youth was publically listed as missing. If the youth was listed as publically missing, the shelter or organization staff was required to notify the DSHS and include information regarding the youth's physical and emotional condition and the circumstances surrounding the youth's contact with the shelter. The provisions of ESHB 2752 expired on July 1, 2012.

Summary of Bill:

Unlicensed youth shelters or runaway programs must provide locating information for the youth to parents, law enforcement, or the department within eight hours of becoming aware that a youth is away from a lawful prescribed residence or home without permission.

Licensed overnight shelters or programs with a stated mission to provide services to homeless or runaway youth and their families, must notify parents, the DSHS, or law enforcement within 72 hours of becoming aware that a youth is away from a lawful prescribed residence or home without permission. It is preferred that the notification occur within 24 hours. The information required in the notification include: the youth's location, the youth's physical and emotional condition and circumstances surrounding the youth's contact with the shelter or organization. If there are compelling reasons not to notify a parent, than the shelter staff must contact the DSHS every eight hours, shelter staff must consult with the WSP to determine if the youth is listed as publically missing. If the youth is listed as publically missing, the shelter staff must immediately notify the department.