HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2904

BYRepresentatives H. Myers, Moyer, Belcher, Winsley, Leonard, Raiter, Sayan, Cooper, Rayburn, Rector, Scott and Brekke

Providing for services for children under twelve years of age who abuse children.

House Committe on Human Services

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Sayan, Chair; Scott, Vice Chair; Moyer, Ranking Republican Member; Tate, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Anderson, Brekke, Hargrove, Leonard, Padden, Raiter and Winsley.

House Staff:Dave Knutson (786-7146)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES JANUARY 31, 1990

BACKGROUND:

In child abuse cases where the alleged perpetrator is under 12 years of age, law enforcement and prosecutors rarely pursue the matter in court.  The Department of Social & Health Services focuses its services on victims of child abuse and normally does not provide assistance to young perpetrators.  In many cases, young perpetrators of child abuse have also been child abuse victims.

SUMMARY:

SUBSTITUTE BILL:  If probable cause exists to believe someone under the age of 12 committed child abuse, the Department of Social & Health Services shall offer appropriate, available services to the alleged perpetrator and his or her parents or legal guardians.  Parents or legal guardians are required to contribute to the cost of appropriate, available services.

SUBSTITUTE BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  The substitute bill clarifies conditions under which parents will participate in the cost of available, appropriate services.  It also modifies the conditions governing when parents may be neglecting their child.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Richard Winters, Department of Social & Health Services; Pat Thibadeau, Childhaven; and Bev Emery, Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Children who abuse young children are often ignored by the legal and social service systems.  Children who allegedly abuse other children should receive services to change their behavior.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.