BILL REQ. #:  S-4736.1 

Read first time 01/28/08.   Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

     AN ACT Relating to youth placements; amending RCW 74.15.240; and adding a new section to chapter 74.15 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 74.15 RCW to read as follows:
     To be eligible for placement in a HOPE center, a minor must be either a street youth, as that term is defined in this chapter, or a youth who, without placement in a HOPE center, will continue to participate in increasingly risky behavior. Youth may also self-refer to a HOPE center. Payment for a HOPE center bed is not contingent upon prior approval by the department.

Sec. 2   RCW 74.15.240 and 1999 c 267 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:
     To be eligible for placement in a responsible living skills program, the minor must be dependent under chapter 13.34 RCW and must have lived in a HOPE center or in a secure crisis residential center. However, if the minor's caseworker determines that placement in a responsible living skills program would be the most appropriate placement given the minor's current circumstances, prior residence in a HOPE center or secure crisis residential center before placement in a responsible living program is not required. Responsible living skills centers are intended as a placement alternative for dependent youth that the department chooses for the youth because no other services or alternative placements have been successful. Responsible living skills centers are not for dependent youth whose permanency plan includes return to home or family reunification.