SB 5835 - DIGEST

     Directs the department of social and health services, in concert with community-based organizations, to develop a plan for a comprehensive respite care system for children and families.  In developing the plan, the department shall assess the current system, review available research, evaluate program needs, and evaluate program models.  The comprehensive plan shall identify necessary and appropriate respite services for families with children who are in foster care, for adoptive families, and for kinship placement families.  The department shall submit the plan to the appropriate committees of the senate and house of representatives no later than December 31, 1999.