SB 697 Summary

• Establishes the "Family Support Accountability Act" defining home visiting as publicly funded, standards-based programs providing face-to-face parenting education and family support services to families with young children.

• Requires the State Department of Health and State Department of Education to provide home visiting services and develop a coordinated framework for service delivery and accountability across all home visiting programs.

• Home visiting programs must focus on achieving at least two of six outcomes: improved prenatal/maternal/child health, reduced child welfare entry, improved parenting skills, increased parental self-sufficiency, improved school readiness, and improved child development.

• Mandates development of an outcomes measurement plan by January 1, 2016 and every five years thereafter, with annual reports beginning December 1, 2017 including cost per family, number of families served, demographic data, and program types.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2015; directs State Board of Health and State Board of Education to promulgate implementing rules.