WHEREAS, Chapter 7, Laws of 1994, First Special Session (Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2319) provides for the restructuring of Washington state's family services system; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of restructuring the family services system is to improve outcomes for our children, youth, and families by moving toward a system that is collaborative, locally managed, and outcome-based: and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Family Policy Council has been given the responsibility at the state level for implementing family services restructuring; and

WHEREAS, the successful implementation of family services restructuring will require high levels of communication and coordination among a diverse array of governmental and stakeholder interests;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mike Lowry, Governor of the State of Washington, do hereby authorize the creation of the Washington State Family Policy Council Advisory Committee:

I. Formation of Advisory Committee and Membership:

A. The committee shall comprise at least 18 members, but not more than 23 members, of which a majority shall constitute a quorum. Members shall be appointed by the Family Policy Council. A chairperson shall be designated by the members of the committee. The term of the membership shall be three years, with the exception that initial appointments shall be staggered to assure continuity of the committee: one third shall be appointed for a one-year term; one third shall be appointed for a two-year term; and one third shall be appointed for a three-year term. If a member resigns before completing a term, the council may appoint a new member to serve out the remainder of that term.

B. To achieve balanced membership on the committee, the council shall make appointments considering geographic representation, gender, ethnic and cultural diversity, as well as individuals with disabilities.

C. The committee shall include: at least two chief executive officers of major Washington state corporations: at least two members, one each from the eastern and western areas of the state, of local Community Public Health and Safety Networks; and, at least one youth.

D. In addition, the committee shall include at least one member who has relevant experience in one of each of the following areas:

1. City or township government;

2. County government;

3. Federally recognized Indian tribes;

4. School districts;

5. Existing children' s commissions;

6. Law enforcement;

7. Superior courts;

8. Public parks and recreation programs;

9. Private agency service providers;

10. Community organizations not associated with the delivery and services affected by E2SHB 2319;

11. Juvenile justice;

12. Labor organizations; and

13. Youth training and employment.

II. Role of the Committee:

A. To review, analyze, and advise the Family Policy Council on its responsibilities under E2SHB 2319;

B. To advise the council regarding its biennial review and recommendations on federal and state programs as provided in section 308 of the legislation;

C. To advise the council on the establishment of network boundaries;

D. To review and comment to the council on its role relative to the establishment of risk and protective factors; and

E. To perform other functions and duties related to family services restructuring as requested by the council.

III. Meetings and other Business:

A. The committee shall convene at the request of the Family Policy Council, and not less than four times a year.

B. The Department of Social and Health Services, in collaboration with the other state agencies represented on the council, shall develop a plan for the provision of such resources as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the committee.

C. Members may be reimbursed for the reasonable and necessary expenses of attending committee meetings and performing committee duties.

This order shall take effect immediately.

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