Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Early Learning & Human Services Committee

HB 2834

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 Summary of Bill

Allows the Department of Social and Health Services to share certain child welfare records with the Department of Commerce for purposes of meeting the service needs of youth admitted to Crisis Residential Centers or HOPE Centers under contract with the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection.
Allows youth ages 13 and older to give consent for the collection of personally identifying information for the Washington Homeless Client Management Information System.

Background:

In 2015 the Legislature passed 2SSB 5404, which created the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs (Office) within the Department of Commerce (COM). The Office is responsible for leading efforts to coordinate a spectrum of funding, policy, and practice efforts related to homeless youth with a stated goal of preventing state systems from discharging youth and young adults into homelessness. Additionally, the Office was authorized to provide the management and oversight of HOPE Centers, Crisis Residential Centers (CRC), street youth services, and the Independent Youth Housing Program.

HOPE Centers provide temporary residential placements for street youth under the age of 18. Youth may self-refer to a HOPE Center for services, and entering a center is voluntary. While residing in a HOPE Center, youth undergo a comprehensive assessment in order to develop the best plan for the youth.

The CRCs are short-term, semi-secure facilities for runaway youth and adolescents in conflict with their families. Youth cannot remain in a CRC more than 15 consecutive days. Counselors at a CRC work with the family to resolve the immediate conflict and develop better ways of dealing with the conflict in the future.

The COM oversees Washington's Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). The HMIS is used by state and federally funded homeless and housing service providers to collect and manage data gathered during the course of providing housing assistance to people already experiencing homelessness and to households at-risk of losing their housing. The stated purpose of the HMIS is to provide updated information on the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in the state.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Social and Health Services may share certain child welfare records with the COM for purposes of meeting the service needs of youth admitted to CRCs or HOPE Centers under contract with the Office. Additionally, youth ages 13 and older may consent to the collection of personally identifying information for purposes of the Washington HMIS.