To the extent funds are specifically appropriated for this purpose, the department of social and health services shall contract for implementation of a wraparound model of integrated children's mental health services delivery in up to four regional support network regions in Washington state in which wraparound programs are not currently operating, and in up to two regional support network regions in which wraparound programs are currently operating. Contracts in regions with existing wraparound programs shall be for the purpose of expanding the number of children served.

     (1) Funding provided may be expended for: Costs associated with a request for proposal and contracting process; administrative costs associated with successful bidders' operation of the wraparound model; the evaluation under subsection (5) of this section; and funding for services needed by children enrolled in wraparound model sites that are not otherwise covered under existing state programs. The services provided through the wraparound model sites shall include, but not be limited to, services covered under the medicaid program. The department shall maximize the use of medicaid and other existing state-funded programs as a funding source. However, state funds provided may be used to develop a broader service package to meet needs identified in a child's care plan. Amounts provided shall supplement, and not supplant, state, local, or other funding for services that a child being served through a wraparound site would otherwise be eligible to receive.

     (2) The wraparound model sites shall serve children with serious emotional or behavioral disturbances who are at high risk of residential or correctional placement or psychiatric hospitalization, and who have been referred for services from the department, a county juvenile court, a tribal court, a school, or a licensed mental health provider or agency.

     (3) Through a request for proposal process, the department shall contract, with regional support networks, alone or in partnership with either educational service districts or entities licensed to provide mental health services to children with serious emotional or behavioral disturbances, to operate the wraparound model sites. The contractor shall provide care coordination and facilitate the delivery of services and other supports to families using a strength-based, highly individualized wraparound process. The request for proposal shall require that:

     (a) The regional support network agree to use its medicaid revenues to fund services included in the existing regional support network's benefit package that a medicaid-eligible child participating in the wraparound model site is determined to need;

     (b) The contractor provide evidence of commitments from at least the following entities to participate in wraparound care plan development and service provision when appropriate: Community mental health agencies, schools, the department of social and health services children's administration, juvenile courts, the department of social and health services juvenile rehabilitation administration, and managed health care systems contracting with the department under RCW 74.09.522; and

     (c) The contractor will operate the wraparound model site in a manner that maintains fidelity to the wraparound process as defined in RCW 71.36.010.

     (4) Contracts for operation of the wraparound model sites shall be executed on or before April 1, 2008, with enrollment and service delivery beginning on or before July 1, 2008.

     (5) The evidence-based practice institute established in RCW 71.24.061 shall evaluate the wraparound model sites, measuring outcomes for children served. Outcomes measured shall include, but are not limited to: Decreased out-of-home placement, including residential, group, and foster care, and increased stability of such placements, school attendance, school performance, recidivism, emergency room utilization, involvement with the juvenile justice system, decreased use of psychotropic medication, and decreased hospitalization.

     (6) The evidence-based practice institute shall provide a report and recommendations to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2010.

[2007 c 359 § 10.]

NOTES:

     Captions not law -- 2007 c 359: See note following RCW 71.36.005.