Report Title:

Substance Abuse; School-Based Treatment

 

Description:

Appropriates funds for statewide adolescent school-based treatment programs. (HB1555 HD2)

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1555

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001

H.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO ADOLESCENCE SCHOOL-BASED SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that a 1998 survey of public and private schools in Hawaii indicates that substance use continues to be a significant problem affecting youths in Hawaii. Although the prevalence reports for all substances decreased in 1998, rates are still higher than 1993 rates.

The study's most alarming finding is the increase in statewide adolescent treatment need estimates for alcohol and drug use. Nearly seventeen thousand students, or at least sixteen per cent of students in public and private schools in grades six through twelve, are estimated to need treatment for either alcohol or drug abuse.

The legislature further finds that school-based treatment services are currently being provided in three of fifty-six middle schools, and twenty-nine of forty-four high schools in the State. The programs advocate a holistic approach to treatment, intervention, and counseling that includes such services as: crisis intervention, screening, and assessment; individual, group, and family sessions for education and counseling; peer and adult role modeling; information dissemination; referral services; tobacco cessation classes; and clean and sober recreational activities. The programs also provide education and consultation to faculty, strengthening student-teacher-counselor relationships.

The purpose of this Act is to expand school-based substance abuse treatment services to include fifty-three middle schools and fifteen high schools statewide.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002 and the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003 for statewide adolescent school-based substance abuse treatment programs.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.