SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5568

BYSenators Wojahn, McDonald, Kreidler and Moore; by request of Department of Social and Health Services

Establishing an alcoholism and drug addiction treatment and shelter program.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 26, 1987

Senate Staff:Jean Soliz (786-7755)

AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The caseload in the General Assistance Unemployable (GAU) program has been increasing by more than 10 per cent annually.  Nearly a third of GAU recipients have a drug addiction or alcoholism incapacity.  Concerns have been expressed about the policy of giving cash assistance to addictive recipients and about the failure to offer adequate treatment to these recipients.

SUMMARY:

Persons who are incapacitated from employment due to an alcoholism or drug addiction incapacity are no longer eligible for the General Assistance Unemployable income assistance program.

An alcoholism and drug addition treatment program is created.  The new program will provide assessment, treatment, shelter and medical care to the extent of available appropriations.  The program will refer GAU recipients to the Social Security Administration to apply for federal Supplemental Security Income benefits.

The GAU protective payee standards are changed to allow the Department of Social and Health Services to pay benefits through a protective payee if any GAU recipient person demonstrates an inability to care for him or herself or for money.

Fiscal Note:      requested