February 11, 2009

THOUGHTFUL ALTERNATIVE TO BILL CONTRACTING OUT CHILD WELFARE INTRODUCED

Rep. Ruth Kagi, chair of the House Early Learning and Children’s Services Committee, has introduced a thoughtful alternative to the Senate bill that would privatize Child Welfare Services.

Kagi’s bill, HB 2106, would direct the DSHS Children’s Administration to collaborate with community partners stakeholders in what amounts to a pilot project in one region. There, the parties would develop a plan to put in place a core set of performance-based contracts to provide an array of evidence-based and promising prevention and early intervention services to children and families who are at risk for an out-of-home placement or the filing of a dependency petition.

Kagi’s HB 2106 stands in stark contrast to SB 5943, which would privatize all of Child Welfare Services. The bill has a hearing Friday in the Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee. (read article on Hargrove bill here)

So, today we expand the call to action opposing SB 5943 because House members will now consider the Kagi alternative. TAKE ACTION Now!

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