FINAL BILL REPORT

2SSB 6610

                              C 276 L 90

BYSenate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Craswell, Rasmussen, Smith, Stratton, Johnson, Bailey, Smitherman and Anderson)

Revising provisions for at-risk youth.

Senate Committee on Children & Family Services and Committee on Ways & Means

House Committe on Human Services

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In 1977 the Legislature enacted the "Juvenile Justice Act" and subsequently passed the "Runaway Youth Act."  The "Runaway Youth Act" was repealed in 1979 and replaced by the Procedures for Families in Conflict chapter. 

Family Reconciliation Services was created under this chapter to provide services to runaways and to children in conflict with their families.  These services are to be provided at the request of the family or in conjunction with an alternative residential placement petition (ARP).

The Department of Social and Health Services, a parent or the child may file an ARP petition.  If the child agrees to be placed outside of his or her home and a placement is available, the child is placed. 

Crisis Residential Centers (CRCs) were also created under the Families in Conflict chapter.  CRCs were intended to be short term placements for no longer than 72 hours, during which the CRC staff works with the family to avoid furthered or continued out-of-home placement. 

Many persons who work with children are dissatisfied with the current system because it does not hold the minor accountable and does not allow the parents or the court to intervene on the child's behalf.

SUMMARY:

The Procedures for Families in Conflict chapter is renamed the Family Reconciliation Act.

Family reconciliation services are to be designed to resolve problems related to at-risk youth.

Provisions and procedures for the filing of a petition on behalf of an at-risk youth are set forth.  The department is required to file an ARP petition if no at-risk youth petition is filed.  Department conducted family assessments are required.  Upon occurrence of a dispositional hearing, the court may require certain conditions for the supervision and treatment of an at-risk youth.  Provision of services by the department is made contingent upon funding specifically for these services.  The court may order the department to monitor compliance with the dispositional order, assist in coordination of ordered services and submit reports on the status of the case.

Further court procedures for at-risk youth are set forth.  The department is required to study family reconciliation services and provide recommendations for improved services to at-risk youth and families.

A child may be detained under this act if the court ascertains a willing violation of its orders by a sworn written or oral declaration from the parent.  The bill is made contingent upon funding in the budget.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   38   10

     House 97  0 (House amended)

     Senate          (Senate concurred in part)

     House           (House refused to recede)

First Conference Committee

     House 97  0

     Senate          (Ruled beyond scope)

Second Conference Committee

     House 93  3

     Senate   39    6

EFFECTIVE:June 7, 1990