HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1842

Title:  An act relating to residential educational programs for at-risk youth who have been released from detention facilities;  amending RCW 13.04.145;  and creating a new section.

Brief Description:  Providing for residential educational programs for at-risk youth.

Sponsors:  Representatives Lambert, Kagi, Edmonds and Tokuda.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Meeting Date:  February 18, 1999.

Bill Analysis Prepared by: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:  There is a lack of residential programs for adolescent males who would benefit from a structured program that provides education, guidance, and life skills.

Summary of Bill:  A juvenile supervision and education program is created to serve juvenile males between the ages of thirteen and twenty-one years of age.  To be eligible, a young male must have been released from a detention center.  Referrals to the program may come from the superior court or the Department of Social and Health Services.  The court must make a finding that the at-risk males behaviors can be controlled in the program or that the program is beneficial for the at-risk male.  The Department may refer low-risk males who would function well in the program and prevent future involvement in crime-related activity. Young males referred to the program must agree to remain in the program for at least one year.

The Department must consider two locations for the program; the Northern State Multiservice Center, and the Interlake School located at Eastern State Hospital.  Local school districts will provide educational and vocational training programs at each location.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  None.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.