SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5930

BYSenators Rasmussen and Hayner

Providing for children in need of special services.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 19, 1989; February 28, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5930 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; McCaslin, Vice Chairman; Hayner, Nelson, Rasmussen, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Richard Rodger (786-7461)

                  February 28, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, FEBRUARY 28, 1989

BACKGROUND:

There is a belief that the current juvenile dependency system is not broad enough to provide for evaluation and treatment of children who are at high risk.  It is suggested that staff-secure facilities are needed to assist children who are at risk due to substance abuse, chemical dependency, suicidal behavior, chronic truancy or runaway, serious family conflict, or homelessness.

There is also a belief that crisis residential centers and alternative residential placement programs are not meeting the needs of the children.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Social and Health Services must develop and implement a plan for each county which includes a staff-secure facility to meet the needs of high-risk dependent children.  The facility provides a continuum of early intervention services, comprehensive evaluation and treatment, and multi-disciplinary mediation teams.

A court-ordered placement in the special-services facility shall not be for more than 45 days per 12 months.  A minor may voluntarily reside at the facility.  Upon release the child is placed in a professional aftercare program.

Crisis residential centers and alternative residential placement programs are eliminated.

Punishment for contempt of court is specified.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Technical and clarifying amendments are made.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Dean Sampson, citizen (pro); Leslie Klahn, citizen (pro); Carol Hasman, DYS (pro); Dr. Janice Wooley, pediatrician (pro); Katherine Briar, DSHS (con); Bailey deIongh, Public Defender (con)