FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6056

C 256 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing for department of social and health services coordination of services for children and families in child dependency cases.

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

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

House Committee on Children & Family Services

Background:  Child dependency cases concern abandonment, abuse, or neglect of a child.  In these matters, families may be dysfunctional for multiple reasons, and it is the rare case where only one condition exists that limits the parent's ability to care for his or her child.  However, service delivery systems have been established through various funding streams at different agencies, divisions, and the courts.  As a result, a person with a criminal history, mental health concerns, chemical dependency issues, and child safety issues must work with a myriad of different entities to obtain necessary services.  The person who is not functioning is least able to represent his or her own interests in navigating the system and obtaining services needed to be functional.

Summary:  The Department of Social and Health Services must develop methods for coordination of services to families in child dependency cases.

Assessment criteria should screen for multiple needs.

Treatment should be developed for the individual needs of the client in a manner that minimizes  the number of contacts the client has to make.

The department must access multi-disciplinary training for staff.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate490

House     94 0 (House amended)

Senate    48 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 22, 2001