The bill amends Section 42-72-5.3 of the General Laws concerning the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to establish a framework for achieving accreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA). It mandates that the department initiate the accreditation process by September 1, 2019, and submit a detailed accreditation plan by October 1, 2020. This plan must include updated staffing requirements, a timetable for achieving those requirements, and an assessment of the impact of accreditation on abused and neglected children. Additionally, the bill introduces general caseload limits for department workers, aligning them with COA standards, which specify maximum active investigations, ongoing in-home services, and out-of-home care for children.

Furthermore, the bill requires the department to conduct an annual pay rate review to ensure competitive compensation for its employees, based on salary data from New England states. The director of the department is authorized to create necessary rules and regulations to implement these provisions. The act is designed to enhance the effectiveness of the DCYF in protecting children and providing necessary services while ensuring that the department's workforce is adequately supported and compensated. The bill will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5396: 42-72-5.3