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HOPE Act ESSB 6792

Contact: Jim Theofelis, (206) 323-5437

Request

ESSB 6792 makes critical modifications and clarifications to the HOPE Act including clarification regarding eligibility, referral, payment and requirement for eligible youth to particiate in a HOPE Center prior to entry into a Responsible Living Skills Program.

2007-2009 Biennial Budget Request

No Fiscal Note required-No fiscal impact

Issue

The HOPE Act provides for services targeted to adolescents who are at risk or have a history of street-involvement. Since 1999 there has been inconsistent interpretation across the state regarding eligibility to the HOPE Centers and whether youth can self-refer. Additionally, providers and youth report that the requirement that youth must first be placed in a HOPE Center prior to being eligible for a Responsible Living Skills Program (RLSP) is an unnecessary barrier for many youth. The following paragraph describes the changes and clarifications contained in ESSB 6792.

To be eligible for placement in a HOPE Center a minor must be either a street youth or a youth who, without placement in a HOPE Center will continue to participate in increasingly risky behavior. Minors may self-refer to a HOPE Center. Payment for a HOPE Center bed is not contingent upon prior approval by the department. If a minor’s caseworker determines that placement in an RLSP would be the most appropraiate placement given the minor’s current circumstances, prior residence in a HOPE Center or securre CRC is not required before placement in an RLSP.

History

In 1999 the Washington State Legislature identified the need to have targeted services avaiable to adolescents who are at risk of or have street-involved experience and thereby passed the HOPE Act (HOmeless youth Prevention, protection and Education) Act. The HOPE Act provided authorization to implement two new services: HOPE Centers: 30 day short term shelter care and Responsible Living Skills Programs: long term care for older adolescents with a focus on independent living and development of self-sufficiency skills.