2012 Advocacy Agenda
Our children, youth & families cannot afford another all-cuts budget!
Safe Housing
Policy Priorities
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Pass HB 2592 – Extended Foster Care: This bill will transition the Foster Care to 21 program into the Extended Foster Care program, allowing all youth pursuing their post-secondary education (college, vocational, etc.) the opportunity to remain in care until age 21, and qualifying the state for a 50% federal funding match. Currently, the Foster Care to 21 program is funded only by state dollars, limiting the number of youth who can take advantage of the program. By transitioning the program into Extended Foster Care it becomes an entitlement, allowing all youth who qualify the opportunity to take advantage of the program.
- Pass HB 2048 & SB 5952 – Homeless Housing Surcharge: We support HB 2048 & SB 5952 because they ensure critical funding for the Home Security Fund, which provides resources to key safe housing programs for youth. These programs include HOPE Centers, which provide shelter for youth in crisis, as well as the Independent Youth Housing Program, which provides housing assistance for youth aging out of care.
Adolescent Services
Budget Priorities
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Responsible Living Skills Program (RLSP): Targets older youth in foster care who have experienced multiple placements and educational changes. Designed to help prepare youth for adulthood when family reunification is not likely. At risk to be cut 34%.
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Street Youth Programs: Provide funding for street level outreach connecting homeless youth with the services they need to stay safe, healthy and sheltered while helping prevent the transition into the criminal justice system and/or the adult homeless population. At risk to be eliminated.
- Family Reconciliation Services (FRS): Provide support for runaway youth ages 13 to 17 in conflict with their families. FRS help prevent unnecessary out of home placement by providing services aimed at resolving crises and preventing future conflicts that may lead to the removal of the youth. At risk to be eliminated.
Child Welfare
Budget Priorities
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Child Placing Agencies: These are non-profit organizations that provide foster care licensing and placement services for youth entering the child welfare system. This work is an invaluable contribution towards ensuring better outcomes for youth entering the system. At risk to be cut 10%.
- Office of Family & Children’s Ombudsman: When tough economic times dictate difficult cuts to the safety net protecting our most vulnerable citizens, maintaining support for the “watchdog” is more important than ever. OFCO is critical in order to ensure the safety and well-being of children and youth involved in the child welfare system. At risk to be cut 28%.
Policy Priorities
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HB 2289: Differential/Family Assessment Response: When a family is referred to Child Protective Services, and it is determined that there is no imminent threat to a child’s health and safety, Differential Response calls for a family assessment that determines the needs of the family and connects them with services in order to address those needs so the child is provided appropriate care in an intact family. This is a best practice that has shown improved outcomes for children, youth and families while cutting costs for the state.
- Evidence-based practices
Juvenile Justice
Policy Priorities
- HB 1289: Reforming guidelines for trying juveniles as adults
Watchdog Priorities
- Monitor progress of HB 2106 & Washington’s Title IV-E Waiver application