The bill amends sections of the General Laws related to the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children, Youth and Families. It establishes a framework for the recruitment and job training of qualified candidates for various positions within these departments. Specifically, it introduces a provision for a three thousand dollar ($3,000) stipend for eligible applicants who successfully complete the job training program and the departments' probationary period. The positions eligible for this stipend include roles such as eligibility technician, child service enforcement agent, social case worker I & II, and employment career advisor in the Department of Human Services, as well as social case worker I, child protective investigator, and child service enforcement agent in the Department of Children, Youth and Families.

Additionally, the bill outlines the qualifications and duties of the director of the Department of Children, Youth and Families, emphasizing the need for a master's degree in social work or a related field, along with significant experience in child welfare or juvenile justice. The director's responsibilities include overseeing departmental operations, analyzing programs and services for children, securing budget requests, and liaising with community advocacy groups. The amendments aim to enhance the effectiveness of these departments in serving children and families in Rhode Island while ensuring a robust recruitment process for qualified personnel. This act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5995: 42-12-1, 42-72-4