HB1856

Report Title:

Respite Care Services

 

Description:

Appropriates funds for respite care services for families of individuals with special needs.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1856
TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

making an appropriation for respite care services for families of individuals with special needs.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that families are the greatest resource for their children and are the major providers of care and support for them. Children with or without disabilities need families and enduring relationships in a nurturing environment. For families with individuals with special needs, providing daily care in their own home includes additional challenges such as higher financial outlays, and physical and emotional stress and isolation. The last major appropriation for respite care was made in Act 324, Session Laws of Hawaii 1990, for $1,000,000, to support families who provide home care to their son or daughter with special needs, by providing them with support services and training.

The legislature further finds that the respite care budget has not increased since 1990, and furthermore, several budget cuts made over the years have significantly reduced the funds for respite care. In fiscal year 2000—2001, $624,128 was allocated for respite care, resulting in fewer families being served and less respite hours available. The legislature further finds that for numerous families, the department of health’s respite program is the only available source of support. The respite program allows families to choose their own respite care provider.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for respite care services to families providing home care to a family member with special needs.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii, the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003, for the provision of respite care services to families providing home care to a family member who is:

(1) An infant or toddler (from birth through three years of age) with a developmental delay;

(2) An adult with mental illness;

(3) A child or adolescent with an emotional disability;

(4) A child with a serious chronic illness; or

(5) A child or adult with a developmental disability.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2002.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________