SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6157
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Human Services & Corrections, January 26, 2012
Title: An act relating to juvenile detention intake standards for juveniles who are developmentally disabled.
Brief Description: Requiring juvenile detention intake standards for juveniles who are developmentally disabled.
Sponsors: Senators Delvin, Hargrove, Stevens, Benton, Ericksen and Parlette.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 1/24/12, 1/26/12 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell and Padden.
Staff: Kevin Black (786-7747)
Background: A county juvenile detention facility is a facility for the physical confinement of a juvenile alleged to have committed an offense or an adjudicated offender subject to a disposition or modification order in juvenile court. Juvenile detention facilities may also include group homes, inpatient substance abuse programs, and juvenile basic training camps.
In 2011 a workgroup convened by the Developmental Disabilities Counsel and Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration met to study practices and policies relating to the confinement of youth with developmental disabilities within juvenile detention facilities.
Summary of Bill: The counties must develop an intake and risk assessment standard to determine whether a juvenile admitted to a county juvenile detention facility is developmentally disabled.
The assessment standard must be developed and implemented no later than December 31, 2012.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: A group convened to review these issues last year after taskforce legislation was vetoed. If a child in a juvenile detention facility is discovered to be developmentally disabled, the child may be directed to proper areas or to other systems. Youth with developmental disabilities can be easily misunderstood. This legislation is important to protect them and to facilitate proper connections between the juvenile justice system and the schools.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Delvin, prime sponsor; Pete Petersen, WA Assn. of Juvenile Court Administrators; David Maltman, WA State Developmental Disabilities Council.