West Coast Pact

Child Protection Pact

A Compact : To standardize oversight, establish approval process and services for out-of-state placements in residential treatment.

The West Coast Pact is a collaborative initiative between California, Oregon, and Washington to standardize care and oversight for children placed in private youth programs. This compact aims to close critical loopholes in child protection laws by establishing the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children in Residential Programs Office (ICPCRP Office). This office will ensure all out-of-state placements are rigorously evaluated, approved, and regulated, providing support to families and safeguarding the welfare of children.

By uniting the stringent child protection standards of these three states, the West Coast Pact addresses issues such as the use of restraint and seclusion, oversight of residential programs, and the regulation of the transport industry. Additionally, the pact mandates sensitivity training for all oversight agencies to understand institutional abuse and best practices for prevention. This initiative promises significant taxpayer savings, which can be reinvested in local community services, enhancing the overall safety and well-being of children in the region.

Child Protection Pact

A Compact : To standardize oversight, establish approval process and services for out-of-state placements in residential treatment.

The West Coast Pact is a collaborative initiative between California, Oregon, and Washington to standardize care and oversight for children placed in private youth programs. This compact aims to close critical loopholes in child protection laws by establishing the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children in Residential Programs Office (ICPCRP Office). This office will ensure all out-of-state placements are rigorously evaluated, approved, and regulated, providing support to families and safeguarding the welfare of children.

By uniting the stringent child protection standards of these three states, the West Coast Pact addresses issues such as the use of restraint and seclusion, oversight of residential programs, and the regulation of the transport industry. Additionally, the pact mandates sensitivity training for all oversight agencies to understand institutional abuse and best practices for prevention. This initiative promises significant taxpayer savings, which can be reinvested in local community services, enhancing the overall safety and well-being of children in the region.

Key Features

Standardized Care and Oversight:
– Agreement between California, Oregon, and Washington to adopt best practices and stringent licensing standards.
– Addresses the use of restraint and seclusion, oversight of residential programs, and the regulation of the transport industry.

Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children in Residential Programs Office (ICPCRP Office):
– A dedicated office within the Department of Social Services.
– Responsible for approving and regulating all out-of-state placements.
– Provides support to families in crisis, helping them find safe, evidence-based services within their community or state.

TTI/Institutional Abuse Training:
– Sensitivity training for all agencies responsible for oversight to better understand the unique properties of institutional abuse and best practices for prevention.

Mandatory Reporting and Child Abuse Hotline:
– Establishes a database for reporting incidents, complaints, and actions against programs.
– Operates a state-run hotline for reporting abuse, with mandatory posting in all facilities.

Financial Impact Study:
– Evaluates the financial savings from reducing out-of-state placements.
– Tracks private and state-funded insurance expenditures and ICPC funds.
– Identifies deficiencies in oversight and reallocation of funds to community services.

Economic Benefits

By reducing the number of out-of-state placements, participating states can save millions of dollars, estimated at $700 million per year, which can be redirected to local schools and social services. This initiative ensures taxpayer money remains within the state, enhancing community-based services and supporting youth and families.

Economic Benefits

By reducing the number of out-of-state placements, participating states can save millions of dollars, estimated at $300 million per year, which can be redirected to local schools and social services. This initiative ensures taxpayer money remains within the state, enhancing community-based services and supporting youth and families.

CALL TO ACTION

Create Lasting Protections for Youth

Legislators, join us in sponsoring and supporting the West Coast Pact to protect our children, ensure rigorous oversight of residential programs, and keep taxpayer dollars within our states to benefit our communities. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of our youth.

Advocates, unite to show your support for the West Coast Pact! Use our free declaration builder to craft your message, identify your state representatives, and reach out with your personal reasons for advocating for children in residential treatment and preventing institutional abuse. Leverage your constituent power to make a difference and ensure the safety and well-being of our youth. Together, we can create a safer future for all children.

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