Report Title:

Appropriation; Early Intervention Section

Description:

Appropriates funds for early intervention services for infants and toddlers from birth to three years of age with special needs.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2162

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

making an appropriation for the early intervention section.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's early intervention program has been successful in identifying, evaluating, and serving children from birth to three years of age who have special needs. The department of health's success in early intervention has resulted in an increased demand for services.

In addition to increased referrals, the number of children with a variety of needs has also increased. This includes children with autism spectrum disorders and children with complex medical needs due to premature birth.

From 2001 to 2002, the number of children served with special needs increased from 1,690 to 2,002, an increase of 18.5 per cent. The number of referrals and children served continues to grow.

Services are provided throughout the State by five department of health early childhood services programs and twelve purchase-of-service programs. The early childhood services and purchase-of-service programs serve children with one or more developmental delays. These children usually have frequent service needs that vary from monitoring to direct services and may require at least three visits per week.

The increased demand for services has increased service costs. Children must be served in their natural environments pursuant to federal mandate. Services must also adjust to varying family schedules that may require visits beyond normal work hours such as late afternoons and weekends.

Services must be provided to these children to maintain compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (Part C), sections 321-351 to 321-354, and the Felix consent decree.

The purpose of this Act is to meet the increased needs for developmental services by appropriating funds for early intervention services for infants and toddlers, from birth to three years of age, with special needs.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,260,525, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005, for the department of health to be used for the early intervention section to provide services that support infants and toddlers, with special needs, who are under the age of three.

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, 2004.

INTRODUCED BY:

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