Brief Description: Requiring development of criteria for research-based treatment programs for juveniles.

Sponsors: Representatives Pettigrew, Miloscia, Kagi, Darneille and Schual-Berke.

Hearing Date: 2/18/03

Staff: Trudes Tango Hutcheson (786-7384).

Background:

The 2001 Legislature directed the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) to study the state's juvenile justice system for the purposes of, among other things, reviewing the costs and benefits of existing juvenile programs and recommending changes that could lead to an improved use of state money. The study basically provided a financial "snapshot" of how Washington expends money in the state Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration and the county juvenile courts.

Based on its study, the WSIPP made several recommendations to the Legislature. One recommendation was to require state-funded treatment programs for juvenile offenders to demonstrate a quality-control process. The WSIPP report stated that research-based programs work, but only when implemented competently.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature finds that effective quality control within research-based treatment programs is vital to making those programs work.

The Washington State Institute for Public Policy must develop general criteria that can be used as a measuring tool for state agencies to ensure quality control and competent delivery of treatment services to youth. The criteria must include measures for ongoing and accurate monitoring and tracking of competent treatment delivery and for continual improvement of treatment delivery.

For the purposes of determining funding, the Legislature may require an agency to demonstrate how it has met the criteria. The WSIPP must develop and present the criteria to the Legislature by January 1, 2004.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 14, 2003.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.