HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1819

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to THE WRAPAROUND SERVICES PROGRAM.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that at-risk youths, or minors who are subject to abuse, neglect, or are predisposed to develop an addiction or other psychiatric disorder, require a comprehensive system of care that is primarily focused on the provision of behavioral and psychiatric health services.  The legislature further finds that the functionality of any system of this nature must be both efficient and cost-effective, and is contingent upon interagency communication.

The Wraparound Services program (WRAP) is a comprehensive system of care that provides individualized services for at-risk youth.  Last year, the department of human services launched WRAP to target 10 youth at high risk for hospitalization or of being relocated to out-of-state specialized programs.  To date, none of the youths have been hospitalized or moved out of state (department of human services testimony on the FY 2015 supplemental budget, January 13, 2014).  

It is the intent of this measure to fund research through

WRAP that will explore methods of blended funding between departments and participating programs, to evaluate and measure outcomes, and to provide training for service providers. 

     The purpose of this Act is to provide continued funding for the Wraparound Services program.

     SECTION 2.  (a) There is already established within the department of human services a Wraparound Services program.  The department shall continue to serve as the responsible agency for WRAP, and shall represent the multiagency collaboration between:  the department of education, the department of health, the department of human services, the office of youth services, and the family court branch of the judiciary.  

(b)  The Wraparound Services program shall be administered in accordance with the core principles and best practice standards set forth in its mission statement, with a focus on:

(1) Culturally competent and individualized planning;

     (2) Collaboration with peers and community members to engage in team based goals and efforts;

     (3) Inspiring persistence and self-confidence; and

     (4) Fostering an appreciation for familial dynamics and motivating participation in activities through which the child's personal strengths have been proven to exceed the norm.

     SECTION 3.  Beginning no later than January 15, 2015, the department of human services shall present to the legislature an update on the progress made by WRAP.  The presentation shall include the plan used to develop the integrated system of care, and provide specific recommendations relating to:

     (1)  Inadequate access to mental health care;

     (2)  Lack of social and supportive services;

     (3)  Abuse and neglect in the foster care system;

     (4)  Juvenile crime and recidivism;

     (5)  Deficits in educational achievement; and

     (6)  Child welfare policy reform.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $150,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2015-2016 for the Wraparound Services program.

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

 

 

SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2014.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Child Welfare; Wraparound Services Program; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to the department of human services for the continued funding of the Wraparound Services program.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.