FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 1261
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. |
C 105 L 13
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Establishing a resource and assessment center license for agencies to provide short-term emergency and crisis care for children removed from their homes.
Sponsors: House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Hope and Santos).
House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services
Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections
Background:
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has the authority to establish licensing requirements for foster homes and other agencies or entities that provide care for children residing in out-of-home placements. Resource and assessment centers provide immediate placement and care for children who have been removed from their homes for up to seven days. Resource and assessment centers have entered into an agreement with regional DSHS offices to provide emergency or crisis care to children. Resource and assessment centers are not formally licensed by the DSHS.
Summary:
A licensing category is created for a program called resource and assessment centers. Resource and assessment centers provide emergency placement and care for children birth to 12 years of age who have been removed from their homes because of child maltreatment. A resource and assessment center may provide placement for a child over 12 years of age, if the child has a sibling under age 13 who is also placed in the receiving care center.
In order to be a licensed resource and assessment center, programs must demonstrate the following: there is a need for a resource and assessment center in the local community; the resource and assessment center is primarily staffed by trained volunteers; and the resource and assessment center is not financially dependent on reimbursement for the state to operate.
When adopting licensing rules, the DSHS must allow for flexibility in operating hours for resource and assessment centers and provide centers the ability to operate in a residential area. Resource and assessment centers may operate for up to 24 hours, seven days a week. Resource and assessment centers may not be utilized to address placement disruptions for children who have been removed from a foster home because of behavior or safety concerns.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 97 | 0 | |
Senate | 48 | 0 |
Effective: | July 28, 2013 |