FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6055

C 255 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Evaluating children within the foster care agency caseload.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Long, Hargrove and Stevens).

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

House Committee on Children & Family Services

Background:  The Children's Administration within the Department of Social and Health Services has experienced difficulty in identifying an assessment instrument to meet requirements under the current law to assess the needs of children in a state assisted support system.

Summary:  A pilot project is created to collect and evaluate data regarding the needs of children who are in a state assisted support system, including in-home and out-of-home placement.  The pilot project allows the department to identify an assessment tool which can be implemented within available resources.  The information gained through use of the assessment tool must be used in making decisions about the child=s out-of-home placement.  The department must report its findings to the Legislature by September 30, 2001.

The department is required to provide additional reports on the results of the pilot project to the appropriate Senate and House of Representatives committees, one year, two years, and five years after implementation.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate470

House     92 0 (House amended)

Senate    49 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 22, 2001