The bill amends Section 42-72-5.3 of the General Laws concerning the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to establish general caseload limits for department workers that align with the Council on Accreditation (COA) standards. The bill specifies that, regardless of COA accreditation status, the department shall apply these caseload limits to support the achievement of child and family outcomes. The maximum caseloads are set as follows: twelve (12) active investigations at a time (including no more than eight (8) new investigations per month), fourteen (14) families receiving ongoing in-home services, twelve (12) children in out-of-home care and their families, and eight (8) children in treatment foster care and their families. The department is expected to make efforts to meet these limits, although there may be circumstances that allow for temporary exceedance.

Additionally, the bill requires the department to conduct an annual pay rate review for current employees to ensure competitive compensation based on salary data from other New England states. The director of the department is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement these provisions. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5396: 42-72-5.3